Next Part 2.
Psalm 119
40. "Behold, I have longed for Your precepts; quicken me in Your righteousness."
Deep desire for entire sanctification is here expressed; prayer is made that the Spirit of the Lord would animate the pursuit of righteousness. May we thus ever strive! We shall succeed, and great will be our gain.
41. "Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord, even Your salvation, according to Your word."
This prayer is a cup filled to the brim. A multitude of tender mercies stand always ready to issue from the courts above. These mercies assure of salvation from the penalties and power of sin, and of welcome to the joys of heaven. These mercies are our promised heritage. How should we wrestle until they fill us to overflowing!
42. "So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me; for I trust in Your word."
When the heart realizes assured salvation, it is supplied with abundant answers to those who sneer at the delights of faith.
43. "And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Your judgments."
Assurance only lives while God maintains it. Fears will intrude lest the truth should languish on our lips. Hope sees the declarations of the Lord, and looks upward.
44. "So shall I keep Your law continually, forever and ever."
There is rich comfort in the confidence that divine grace will enable us to persevere. The end is seen. Bright is the deliverance.
45. "And I will walk at liberty; for I seek Your precepts."
All restraining shackles shall be cast off. The believer will freely walk in diligent pursuit of truth.
46. "I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed."
No array of earthly power will intimidate the man of God. Strong in the Lord, he will boldly wave the standard of salvation.
47. "And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I have loved."
Who can fail to see the believer's happy state? The paths of holiness are pleasantness and peace. The law reigns in the heart, and love delights in sanctified obedience.
48. "My hands also will I lift up to Your commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in Your statutes."
He will give open testimony of his entire surrender to the ways of the Lord, and his mind will revel in holy meditation. Here the soul finds repose. This is the ecstasy of life.
49. "Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope."
The Spirit in tender love sometimes applies a word of Scripture with especial power to the heart. Hope grasps it, feasts upon it, and sweetly reposes. We may in faith bring such texts unto the mercy-seat, and crave their fulfillment. "Do as You have said."
50. "This is my comfort in my affliction; for Your word has quickened me."
Many are the afflictions of the righteous; many, also, are their consolations. Especially sweet are the comforts flowing from the Word. Life thus quickened will be sustained.
51. "The proud have had me greatly in derision; yet have I not declined from Your law."
Haughty men may scorn and deride. Ridicule shakes not the confidence which the Word has inspired. Can man pull down what God has built up?
52. "I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself."
It is a profitable lesson to ponder God's righteous dealings. The history of the Church is a precious volume. It shows the overthrow of the wicked and constant security of the righteous. Deep streams of comfort flow in these channels.
53. "Horror has taken hold upon me because of the wicked who forsake Your law."
How frightful is the sight of the ungodly trampling on God's precious Word! Who can contemplate the issue without fearful trembling!
54. "Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage."
Zion's pilgrims are not always downcast. They realize absence from home; but in the cheering prospect of return they know joy and gladness, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.
55. "I have remembered Your name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept Your law."
If in the night sleepless hours are appointed, let memory be alert to ponder the wonders involved in the Lord's name. The resolve will thus be quickened to cling tightly to His law.
56. "This I had, because I kept Your precepts."
This rich gain springs from keeping His commandments. May they ever be the treasure of our hearts, the path of our steps, and our exceeding comfort!
57. "You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words."
Rich, indeed, is the believer. He has the Lord for his portion. He can say, All things are mine, for I am Christ's, and Christ is God's. The kingdom into which he is translated has statutes. He loves them, and delights to cleave most closely to them.
58. "I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word."
With earnest sincerity the heart seeks that heavenly favor may never cease to bless. Mercy is abundantly promised, and mercy may be sought with undoubting confidence that it will smile abundantly.
59. "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies."
No inconsiderate step should ever be allowed; a rash movement may plunge into inextricable straits. The feet should be diligently turned to the narrow way of life. Vigilance should never be relaxed.
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