Yodh
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. 75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. 77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. 78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. 79 Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies. 80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame! Kaph 81 My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. 82 My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?” 83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes. 84 How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me? 85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law. 86 All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me! 87 They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. 88 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. Lamedh 89 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 91 By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. 94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. 95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. 96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad. Meditation These sections of Psalm 119 offer a cure for your insecurity, anxiety, and fear through highlighting a truth woven throughout Scripture- You are surrounded by the faithfulness of the Lord. God’s word is fixed in the heavens above you (89), it has established the earth beneath you (90), His hands have made and fashioned you (79), and His faithfulness endures to all generations, throughout history! (90). God’s faithfulness protects and possesses you so you can cry, “I am yours. Save me!” (94). You are surrounded by the faithfulness of the Lord and “All things” are God’s “servants” (91) for the good of His people and for God’s glory. When you respond to God’s faithfulness by delighting in God’s law there will be opposition- the insolent (78, 84) will persecute you (84, 86) and the wicked will seek to destroy you (95). God is faithful in our afflictions (75) as they are for our good (71) and His precepts will protect you from the pitfalls of the enemy (85). God’s steadfast love will give you life through His word (88. God is faithful to bring salvation in our affliction so you can hope in the word of His promise (81-82). His faithfulness, or steadfast love, will give you life (88). Because God is faithful you can be secure and free from anxiety and fear. Richly Dwelling -We can be too insecure before insolent people to take God’s word and God’s law seriously. Insolent people mentioned in this section are those who disregard God’s word, disrespect God’s authority, and generally brazen towards God’s law. If God is faithful to us, why are we insecure? -How can a clear picture of God’s faithfulness move you towards security in your life? -We can be anxious, not trusting God’s word with all our life- relationships, finances, future, family… everything. How is a clearer picture of God’s faithfulness a cure for our anxiety? -God’s faithfulness is a theme throughout Scripture and one of my favorite verses reminding me of this truth is, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness, oh God!” (Lamentations 3:22-23) Meditate on this truth. Key Verse 77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. Comments are closed.
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AuthorPastor Mitchell celebrates twenty-five years of marriage with Lisa & together they have four adventurous children. |