Psalm 119:113-128

 

Psalm 119:113-120 Samek:  Find courage for your path in God’s word.

Walking in the light of God’s word is not just a matter of knowing where to go; it requires great courage.  The “narrow path” is scary, full of intimidating enemies.  At the same time, God’s people are not only looking for protection; they are looking to advance in the face of those fearsome situations.  If you wonder about this, just read The Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament and see how the very men who ran from danger in the garden of Gethsemane later fearlessly preached the gospel in a hostile world.

Perhaps that is the kind of context this stanza has in mind.  The Psalmist fears being ashamed of the One in Whom he hopes (114-115).  He is concerned with safety (117).  He does not want the outcome of those who stray from the truth (118-119).  It is no time for the ambivalence of the double-minded (113).  He needs God to be his “hiding place” and “shield” (114).

Do we not find this to be our situation?  We desire to know God’s will for our lives and in specific situations.  Then God’s word shines it’s light on our path and feet, only to reveal that the next step is fearful.  We may hesitate; we may even take the seemingly easy way around, only to find that we have missed God’s blessing.

Our Lord, in the hour before His greatest trial, was on His knees before His Father in Gethsemane.  The disciples who ran were not, though Jesus had warned them of the need for courage in the face of the coming temptation (Mt. 26:41).

The Psalmist prays for that which he must have in the face of trial.  First, “uphold me” (116) so I have the backbone to face the onslaught of the enemy.  Then, “hold me” (117) so I can be safely protected.  God does both as our hiding place and shield.

What a blessing to know that God not only leads us but He provides for us as we follow the way He lays out for us.  Is your pathway treacherous?  Bow before the Lord and plead His mercy and grace to help that you might boldly walk the path He has laid out for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.