“Do good to Your servant, and I will live; I will obey Your Word.

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.

I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me.

My soul is consumed with longing for Your law at all times. 

You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from Your commands.

Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep Your statutes.

Though rulers sit together and slander me, Your servant will meditate on Your decrees.

Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.”

Psalm 119:17-24 (Gimel)

 

This portion is a prayer for the Lord’s quickening- a personal spiritual revival. The psalmist knows what is good for him to truly live as God intended- by following His ways. He asks the Father to give him spiritual vision, an understanding of the law. As we grow in knowledge of God’s Word we are equipped to navigate life’s perilous trials, discern minute decisions, and rightly enjoy God’s blessings. The psalmist has a desire to live in holiness because he loves his God. 

Even when he is persecuted for seeking God, the psalmist resolves to persevere in the Lord’s commands because he has experienced God’s love and mercy. He can trust his Father with perfect justice. The Lord will also tether us to Himself through His Word. He holds you fast even when slanderers come. God is our home in a foreign land. He will counsel you as you meditate on His truth. In the interim of his pilgrimage, the psalmist finds solace in going to the words of God. To the psalmist it is like finding a piece of home in a strange land. This is our comfort too- Christ is always near.

 

Grace upon grace,

April