Lord’s Day, Vol. 2 No. 34

(1) Blessedness of Walking with God (Psalm 119:41-96)

(a) The Lord Delivers (v41-48)

The psalmist spoke of persecutions (v42). He was reproached for his faith. Nevertheless, he persevered following the LORD. God was merciful to deliver him when he cried out to Him.

He saw the broadness of God’s laws. God’s law is not restrictive. He saw the space in God’s law wherewith he could walk. He enjoyed the blessing of its protection and safety. And he was committed to keep it continually for his good. Because of his experiences in the trustworthiness of God’s Word, he was bold and courageous to testify even before mighty men, that they too might be humbled to worship the Almighty God.

The psalmist sought to walk in the precepts  or  instructions   of God – the word expressed the root idea that God pays attention to how He wants things ordered. The psalmist sought to follow with carefulness. When God gave the blueprint to build the ark, Noah followed. The ark that was constructed was indeed sea-worthy, able to endure the torrent of a global flood, saving Noah and his family.

(b) The Lord Comforts (v49-56)

In the deepest afflictions, the psalmist received hope and comfort from God’s promises. God’s Word kept his soul alive. In John 14:1 and 27, Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me…Peace I leave with you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” When we cast our cares upon our heavenly Father in prayer, we receive from Him peace and faith that removes all our fears.

We are encouraged to trust Him amidst dark circumstances that we cannot understand (v53). The psalmist spoke from hindsight of an experienced faith, a tested faith. When it seemed most hopeless, he continued to hope in God. God’s promises accompanied him through his darkest nights. It was effectual to comfort his aching heart.

I know the LORD will make a way for me (2x)

If I look to Him in prayer, darkest night will turn to day,

I know the LORD will make a way for me.

(Author: Anonymous)

(c) The Lord Loves (v57-64)

God’s mercy is the outworking of God’s love. The most undeserving sinner receiving God’s mercy of sins forgiven was the psalmist’s testimony. He testified, “The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy!” (v64). It is God’s love that first reaches out to us. The Holy Spirit turns the sinner’s heart and causes him to mourn for and repent from his sins. How marvelous is the power of God to melt every burdened heart.

The psalmist knew how fearful it would be to fall into the wrath of the living God. He made right with God continually.

(d) The Lord Chastens (v65-72)

The psalmist testified that before he was afflicted, he went astray but now he kept His Word (v67). It was through his afflictions that he learnt to hold in high regard God’s laws. He was sorely chastened by God. The good hand of God taught him by experience how falling outside the boundary of God’s laws incurred His wrath. Afflictions can arise because of sin. They may also come as a test of our faith. Let us repent from our sins and not buckle in times of our afflictions but continue to have faith and do good.

(e) The Lord Moulds (v73-80)

Whom the Lord loves, He chastens and scourges every son whom He loves (Heb. 12:6). Every branch that bears fruit, He would purge it so that it may bear forth more fruit (John 15:2b). He acknowledged God’s hand in his life – “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me” (v73).

The psalmist testified, “thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me” (v75). The polishing of the rough edges will bring forth the gem that is in us – the image of the living God. Remember we are made in the image of God. The psalmist spoke of the merciful kindness and tender mercies of God in his life. The faithfulness and kindness of God bring good to His people. The psalmist’s heart was comforted as he underwent the rigours of trials that came upon him. It enabled him to press on and live and not falter under troubles that befell him.

(f) The Lord Helps (v81-88)

The psalmist found himself in a very trying situation – “fainting for salvation” (v81). He found his soul fainting for there seemed no help in sight, humanly speaking. “Mine eyes fail for thy word” (v82) – he cannot see how God’s promise can be fulfilled under those circumstances. And he pleaded that God would ease the pressure in his heart. “The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.” (v85) – He cried foul, that’s not right but who can help? With God, all things are possible.

God never disappoints His people who hope in Him. The psalmist was willing to wait upon God, tarrying with Him in prayer – Men ought always to pray and not to faint. Even the unjust judge would vindicate the constant plea of the importunate woman, desperate and at her wit’s end. Would not our heavenly Father do likewise? Indeed, He will help us (Luke 18:1-8).

(g) The Lord Upholds (v89-96)

“Unless thy law has been my delight, I should have perished in mine affliction” (v92). The promises of God’s Word sustained him. He was convinced that God’s Word could not be broken. God’s Word is forever settled in heaven by the power of the Almighty God. Therefore, he pleaded, “I am thine, save me!” (v94) He knew in his heart that he would not go wrong as long as he allowed God’s Word to order his life. When comparing God’s wisdom with the wisdom of the world, the latter is found lacking. God’s wisdom is very deep. Our perfect God is manifested in His perfect Word!

Yours lovingly in Christ,

Pr. Lek Aik Wee