Psalm 119:41-48

     This stanza seems to be divided in half.  In vs. 41-44 the Psalmist makes his requests with his reasons; in vs. 45-48 in a series of “I wills” he tells how God’s answer will affect his life.

First he prays that God’s mercies will come to him (v41).  Then he prays that God will not take away the word of truth from his mouth (v43).  The reasons for these requests are that he might have an answer for those who reproach him (v42) and that he might be continually obedient (v44).

We see that the affliction that the Psalmist is encountering involves the reproach of the wicked.  Reproach by those around us can be a powerful force to turn us away from obedience if we are not careful.  We may fear people and what they say (Prov. 29:25) or may be so concerned with our popularity that we keep silent when the name of Christ is at stake.

Remember Paul’s prayer request in Col. 4:3-4, that God would open a door for him to speak for Christ, and that he would speak clearly.  He then commanded believers to “let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col. 4:6).

Peter also told us to be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks us of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15).  God has left us in this world to be salt and light, and part of that has to do with the right words at the right time.  Perhaps this is the Psalmist’s concern here.

God’s mercies and His word, at work in the believer, will bring about confidence both in the matter of speaking the Word and keeping the Word.

o v45: he will have liberty to speak God’s word to others.

o v46: he will not be ashamed even when speaking to the most eminent of people.

o v47: he will delight in God’s commands.

o v48: he will lift up (honor) and meditate on God’s word.

What a wonderful thought as you begin this day.  Pray for God’s mercy throughout the day, and that you will be filled to overflowing with His word for a needy world.