A current theme present in my prayers has been for God to give me a hunger for His Word. I do not want to daily read the Bible as part of a routine or ritual. I don’t want my time with Christ to be a mere checklist. I want to have a love for God’s Word. That is what we see in the psalmist’s words from verses 97-104. This is a believer whose love for God’s Word is evident. It is a love that does not simply read God’s Word but meditating on it all throughout the day. It is a love that changes a heart to see God’s Word is where true wisdom and understanding are found. We may be tempted to believe that life experience translates to life wisdom, but the Word of God reveals that is not necessarily the case because what is most important is whether one has an eternal perspective of life. An eternal perspective will remind you of the wisdom of God, grow your love for God, and keep you from straying from God. But that only comes from having a love for God’s Word where our appetites find the words of God as sweet and the lies of the devil as sour. That is why the psalmist ends the section, “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” (verse 104). May we be a people who hate false ways and hold fast to the One who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). When we trust in God for this salvation, He transforms our hearts to love Him and will give us a hunger for His Word.
Reflection Questions:
Why are we tempted to satisfy our hunger in something other than God’s Word?
How would you describe what a love for God’s Word looks like?
The sudden shock of the pink slip hit hard. I knew layoffs were about to happen but did not expect to be among the number let go. That led me through a season of leaning on God’s Word and resting in God’s character. Psalm 119:89-96 captures well the very truths that bring comfort in the midst of affliction. During times of trial, life may seem uncertain, but God’s word is firmly fixed in the heavens, and He is sovereign over all of life. In His sovereignty, He is faithful. Both during times of loss, we can look at God’s past faithfulness, not only in our own lives and the faithfulness He has shown throughout all generations. The most important picture of faithfulness in God’s plan centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Because of His sovereign faithfulness to send Jesus to live the sinless life we could not, die the death we deserved, and rise again so we could be saved from our sin, we can trust in His timing and appointments. Things stand or fall based on God’s doing. As we learn to trust Him, we see that we can still have delight instead of despair in the dark times of life. This is because all things work to serve God’s purposes. God’s purposes are meant to give life for those who repent of their sin and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. Our response in light of these truths is to consider the testimonies of the work of God even in the midst of affliction. Even while life may seem on shaky ground, God’s word is forever and firmly fixed.
Reflection Questions:
How does the sovereignty of God bring you comfort in a season of affliction?
How have you witnessed the faithfulness of God in your life?
Have you ever been despairing of life? Where you feel like you can’t go on any longer? When your heart seems to faint within and your mind spirals out of control? I and many Christians over the centuries have been there. One such believer was British Pastor Charles Spurgeon who lived during the 19th century. He endured intense bouts of depression which caused him great distress in his ministry. He had a gift of encouraging suffering saints through his teaching. The Psalmist in chapter 119 verses 81-88 also had this gift.
From the very beginning of this stanza, the psalmist cries, “My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word” (v. 81). This familiar sentiment peppers the entire chapter and provides an anchor in the uncertain currents of life. Verse 82 is an appeal to God for comfort amidst affliction. Longing to see God, in a sense, and experience his faithfulness in every situation is what every Christian must strive for daily. I certainly am preaching to myself too! Verse 83 is a metaphor of one’s energies “drying up” like an old, unused wineskin but still longing for life from the Word. To remember the promises of God in the Word is like a medicine for the most deadly disease. As one may be eaten up with cancer yet still beam with hope in the assurance of the gospel. Our circumstances do not determine the power of God’s truth. God’s truth determines the pitiful nature of anything opposed to Yahweh, our covenant-keeping God.
Verses 84-85 reveal the desperate situation of the author. Perhaps King David was on the run from Saul or his son Absalom, who both tried to kill him. The “insolent” disregarded his kingly status and thus disrespected God who chose him as Israel’s first true king. God promised to preserve David’s kingly line forever, culminating in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. As the “Anointed One” Jesus carried on David’s lineage and redeemed humanity desperate for a Savior. The author was looking for vindication from God, the Defender of his people. Verses 86-87 show that these persecutors lied to the man of God and nearly took his life. You cannot keep a godly man down! With all of heaven on the side of the saint, no force in hell or on earth can destroy him! To God be the glory! How does one get this confidence? It is through the daily reading and heeding of the Word of God.
Finally, in verse 88, the author circles back to familiar ground. He says, “In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.” It has been said that love is the most powerful force in the universe. I believe this is true, but we must place the power rightly from its divine source, God himself. The Apostle John wrote so eloquently this truth: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8). God’s eternal love fuels the tank for our finite love. It is impossible to love God from an unredeemed, unregenerated heart. When God moves in, self moves out. Our hearts are changed and we can call upon that love on the dark days. Lord help us lean on you when the bottom drops out and we can’t see the light. You will never forsake us!
Application Questions:
How does God’s promise to love you in your trial motivate you to encourage your community of believers?
How can you preach the truth better to yourself when you face dark days that sap your strength?
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