Psalm 119:161-168

The remaining 2 stanzas provide a fitting end to this marvelous Psalm the speaks of the value of God’s word in my trials.  First we see the Psalmist ecstatic in his praise of God’s word (161-168).  Then, because his trial continues or because there will be more to come, he calls upon God in ways reminiscent of the entire Psalm.

How do you view the word of God?  Is it one book among many?  Is it appropriate for some of the situations in your life?  Let us hear from one who has made God’s word to be his daily portion?

o 161: though his suffering has been unjust, he stands in awe of God’s word.  We often sing, “I stand in awe of You.”  But remember to hold God in awe is to hold Scripture in awe.

o 162: he considers God’s word to be great treasure.

o 163: he loves God’s law, hating all that stands against it.

o 164: seven times a day he praises God for His righteous judgments.  In other words, his praise is without ceasing. 

o 165: he can give testimony that those who hope in God’s word have peace.  Because it lights his path he does not stumble over life’s obstacles.

o 166: while he awaits God’s deliverance he does not fail to keep the Word.

o 167: he not only loves the Word; he loves it exceedingly.

o 168: he recognizes that all his ways are before the Lord and thus subject to His precepts and testimonies.

The thing to note is that this is the testimony of experience.  He has not merely heard or meditated on the Word.  He has kept it in the context of a great difficulty.  This is how we truly learn God’s word.  This is how we truly get to know God Himself.

Remember Paul’s prayer in Col. 1:9-10.  He prays that they might be filled with the knowledge of God’s will with all wisdom and insight.  We must know the Word in it’s practical application.  But it is only as we walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, and being fruitful in all good works that we increase in our knowledge of God.

The Psalmists journey has caused his love for God and His word to grow.  How have you grown in appreciation for God’s word?  Do you today stand in awe of His word?