Psalm 119:121-128 Ayin: Trust God’s word when the trial is oppressive.

This stanza concerns itself with “oppression” (v121-122).  Oppression is what the strong do to the weak.  Knowing that the weak have no strength in themselves the oppressors enslave them; they hurt them; they take advantage of them.  The oppressors are proud (122).  They regard God’s law as void (126), thinking that dependence on the word of God is just part of the weakness of those they mistreat.

Is this not common in our afflictions?  We seek to live according to Scripture (121).  In fact we love God’s word (127).  But those around us consider that to be a weakness.  With pride they brashly beat the people of the Word with their own words.  We see it in the ridicule of atheists or in the words of a loved one who tells us how foolish we are to spend so much time in the Book.  The constant attacks may cause us to wear out as we seek God’s deliverance from our affliction (123).

So what are we to do?  What are God’s people to do any time they operate out of weakness?  Let us be clear that the answer is not that we are to try to beat the proud at their own game.  We are not to think that we can be more snide or brash in our words. We may engage them in honest debate, but we must not try to win by making fun of them or putting them down.

Instead we will do what the Psalmist does.  In our weakness we will plead God’s mercy (124).  Mercy is for those who know they are weak.  And God is full of mercy (Ex. 34:6-7). 

In our seeming servitude to the mighty of this world we will come to God as His servants. 

o v122: the servant of God asks God to be his surety or security.  Servants have no standing of their own and depend on the kindness of their Master to stand for them.

o v124: the servant of God asks God to be merciful, desiring only to know the will of the Master that he might follow it.  If it leads to a greater cross, so be it. 

o v125: the servant of God affirms that he is not the servant of those earthly masters who oppress him.  “I am Your servant.” 

Is the enemy oppressive?  Do you feel that you are about to cave under the pressure?  Remind yourself that this path is the one laid out for you by your Sovereign Lord.  You serve Him and Him alone.  Love His will, plead His mercy, and continue to follow Him today.