Psalm 119:105-112

Psalm 119:105-112 

Nun

He has sworn faithfulness to the word in the midst of his persecution. 

This portion of the Psalm has what is undoubtedly the most familiar phrase of this Psalm: “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  Having spent our entire lives with almost unlimited access to electric lights and good roads, we cannot appreciate the importance of this phrase.  For the ancient who was traveling a difficult, unknown, and dangerous path in the dark, the presence of a torch was vital.  Pits, cliffs, caverns, and hairpin turns are just a few of the life-threatening obstacles a traveller might face.  It was only in the most desperate circumstances that one would travel in the dark.  The light was a matter of life and death.  The path of being a disciple is no easy walk; the way is narrow, difficult, and filled with danger.  The world, the flesh, and the powers of darkness are arrayed against us and would gladly ruin us.  We can’t see the dangers that are set in ambush without the brilliant light of God’s law. 

In this section the poet says, “I am exceedingly afflicted,” and later, “My life is continually in my hand.” The disciple who is not prepared to suffer and even die for the cause is not fit to be a follower and will eventually slip away.  The disciple who would stay loyal must have more than stubborn determination.  Stubborn determination will only take you so far. Added to this virtuous resolve must be the delight and joy of the Word of God.  The poet will not “forget Thy law” and has “not gone astray from Thy precepts” because he has, in addition to great determination, a delight in the Lord’s testimonies.  He says in verse 111, “For they are the joy of my heart.”  It is when the holy will of God transitions from rules, laws, and obligations to be metamorphosed into the love, delight, and joy of our hearts that we will find the strength to remain faithful even under extremely difficult circumstances. That love will power our obedience, “Forever, even to the end.” 

“Lord, help me to grow in my love for your word. AMEN”