Psalm 119:137-144

Evidence that one is learning God’s lessons in affliction is often indicated by the saint’s confession that God is righteous.  This was common among God’s men in the time of the Babylonian exile.  Many questioned God’s promises since Jerusalem was destroyed and Israel was removed from the land.  Yet those who knew God recognized that they were the sinners and God was right in all that He had done.

 (See this in the confessions of Ezra, Ezra 9:15; Nehemiah, Neh. 9:33; Daniel, Dan. 9:7,14.  It also is central to the unfolding judgment on the world in Revelation where men criticize God but angels proclaim His justice, Rev. 15:3-4; 16:7; 19:2).

The Psalmist, enduring a great time of affliction, yet affirms the righteousness of God (137) and His word (138).  The great value of a God who is righteous is seen in the attending words used in this stanza.

o 137: righteous and upright or straight.  God’s word, coming from a righteous God, is correct in it’s judgments.

o 138: righteous and very faithful.  His word is enduring.

o 140: righteous and pure.  His word is tested, proven.

o 142,144: everlasting righteousness.  His word is right in all ages.

o 142: righteousness and truth.  His word is without error.

To affirm our sin and His righteousness in our times of difficulty is critical if we are to maintain our perspective.  Though the enemy forgets God’s word the saint is confident and bold (139).  Though small and despised by the world, and perhaps even in his own eyes, yet he continues in God’s precepts and knows he will be proven right (141).  No wonder he delights in His commandments (143). 

The story of Job is a struggle with this very issue.  He desires to speak with God because he is sure God has brought difficulty on the wrong person.  In the end, when confronted by the Sovereign God, Job can only say “I am vile … I abhor myself” (40:3-5; 42:1-6).  He has run squarely into the righteousness of God and knows he has sinned in questioning God’s plan.

It has become almost popular for those in affliction to go through phases of anger at God.  Perhaps this is normal, but if you are at that point in your trial be very clear: you have not come to the end of your journey.  God is right.  If you take issue with Him, then you are wrong.  Affirm His righteousness today.