Next Part 5.
Psalm 119
100. "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts."
The lowliest man who has the Bible in his heart knows more than the sage philosophers of old. True wisdom is acquired in the path of heavenly precepts.
101. "I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your word."
The blessed man maintains an undeviating course of godliness. Let us diligently mark the perilous way of evil. Let us flee from it as from a pitfall. So shall we keep the path of safety and pure joy.
102. "I have not departed from Your judgments; for You have taught me."
Unless we are apt pupils in God's school we shall not clearly see the heavenward road, and quickly shall we be beguiled by error's snares. It is a happy profession, You have taught me. It may be added, Therefore I am above the reach of harm.
103. "How sweet are Your words unto my taste! yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Those who make the law their constant feast find in it delicious relish. The heart is more refreshed than the palate can be by the sweetest luxury that nature knows.
104. "Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way."
It is a solid truth that understanding is obtained by diligent adherence to God's precepts. The sure result is hatred of all false ways. May the Lord teach us, and cause us to walk in truth!
105. "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Our path is often through a cloudy land. Safe guidance is provided in the Word. Those who hold this lamp shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. It will lead to the home in which there is no need of the sun or of the moon to lighten, but the Lord is the light thereof.
106. "I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep Your righteous judgments."
All means should be employed to bind us to unbroken obedience. The vows by which we are consecrated to God's service should stand as a barrier against every straying step. God's covenant of grace is confirmed by oath. Thus, also, should our holy walk be ratified.
107. "I am afflicted very much; quicken me, O Lord, according to Your word."
When afflictions press heavily, the surest relief arises from earnest prayer. Let our petition be for insight into the life-imparting Word.
108. "Accept, I beseech You, the free-will offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your judgments."
We should present ourselves, our every faculty and power as a whole burnt-offering to the Lord. But especially, we should bring the calves of our lips. The sacrifice of prayer and praise should never cease. May the Lord of His free grace accept our service! May it be perfumed by the incense of Christ's blood! In this exercise may we advance in heavenly knowledge!
109. "My soul is continually in my hand; yet I do not forget Your law."
The believer counts not his life dear to himself, so that he may finish his course with joy. He is always in the very jaws of death. He lives with wings outstretched to fly away. Paul testified; I die daily. In the extremity of persecution, the fervent desire was to know what God would have him to do.
110. "The wicked have laid a snare for me; yet I erred not from Your precepts."
No plots of the ungodly can compel deviation from God's law. The right way may seem to be beset with perils, but let it be resolutely chosen. Its end is happiness and peace.
111. "Your testimonies have I taken as an heritage forever; for they are the rejoicing of my heart."
The possession of God's truth is an inalienable treasure. It enriches with possessions which never can decay, and which no spoiler can remove. It fills with joy unspeakable. It leads to endless glory.
112. "I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes always, even to the end."
It is true that God only can incline the heart, but when He works converting change, adherence to God's will seems to be easy service. It becomes the spontaneous effort of the mind. May we thus find that obedience is our ready pathway to the glorious end, which has no end.
113. "I hate vain thoughts; but I love Your law."
Universal is the corruption implanted by the fall. Every imagination is prone to evil continually. The believer is conscious of this, and deeply bewails. The vanity of his thoughts is regarded with intense hatred. His real love is given to the pure Word.
114. "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word."
The believer has a high fortress in his God. He flees to this hiding-place, and is safe. When the arrows of the foe unsparingly assail, he finds protection under the shield of God. He faints not, for his hope in God is firm.
115. "Depart from me, you evil-doers; for I will keep the commandments of my God."
The presence of evil men gives intense distress. The believer strives to keep far apart, and to give himself wholly to the works of godliness.
116. "Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; and let me not be ashamed of my hope."
Our natural strength is utter feebleness. Unless upheld by a heavenly arm, we cannot but fall. But we may plead the promises. In this way we continue in lively frame. Thus the head looks up in holy confidence.
117. "Hold me up, and I shall be safe; and I will have respect to Your statutes continually."
There is no safety unless the Lord extends support. May our strength be thus supplied! This help will secure adherence to God's statutes.
118. "You have trodden down all those who err from Your statutes; for their deceit is falsehood."
They cannot escape ruin who wander in devious paths. Divine vengeance is in their rear. They will soon be trampled into perdition. Deceit and falsehood have been their course. The end is misery.
119. "You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love Your testimonies."
Utterly worthless are the wicked. They are lighter than the worthless chaff. The Lord will drive them away. They will no more be seen. They are the blessed who take His testimonies for their enriching treasure.
120. "My flesh trembles for fear of You; and I am afraid of Your judgments."
Who can think of the majesty and glory of God, and not lie low in reverential awe! The contemplation of His righteous judgments is an appalling sight, for an angry God is a consuming fire. Blessed are those who are sheltered in Christ Jesus.
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