The Psalms are very instructive for us. Many help us get through. We see in this section how important it is to keep the percepts of God. David reminds us what we have through our obedience to God. We focus too much on what it costs us, and we should not even consider that. The cost was for Jesus in his life. The Word guarantees us something. Let’s see the value and necessity of following his statutes.
49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. 51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. 52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself. 53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law. 56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
First we see the hope we have. We are quickened because of the Word that gives us a new life. The godless try us but David said he didn’t back down from the Word; neither should we. Then we see the comfort in God’s Word. These are horrible times; it seems everyone has forsaken God’s Word, but we don’t have to. We were born for a reason, and the Word is our song to get us through the pilgrimage of our life. Keep the Word and in the dark hour God will be our company. We have all this because we keep the precepts of the Word.
73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
If there was ever a prayer to pray, it is “Lord, let my heart be sound in thy statutes.” We need to know how to practice the Word, how to please God and share him with the world. We need a learning mind for our sakes but also for the sake of others who need the testimony of the Word. Ask God to help and we can be a blessing to others; let’s help people. David was reminded that his steps were ordered by God. The battles were for a purpose. When it’s said and done the Bible tells us that all things work together for good. We see the mercy and kindness of God. The Word is not a dread but a delight. God will take care of those who come against us.
There is nothing like the fellowship we have with the Word. It blesses and gives us strength. By it we are sound of heart and not ashamed.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 