Psalm 119:17-24

Psalm 119:17-24 

Gimel

Dedicated to the Word of God

It is worth noting the motivation of the Psalmist.  He asked that God deal bountifully with him for a very specific purpose, that he may live and keep His word.  Why we ask for a blessing is, in fact, more important than the blessing for which we ask.  The greatest blessing is to be able to see correctly. In verse 18, the picture is of one who has a covering over their eyes.  Since our first parents sinned, we have all struggled with a sort of spiritual blindness.  We have not been at home in the fallen world (v. 19), and we are broken and crushed by a haunting that we need a trustworthy guide. (v. 20) We instinctively know something is not right. There are those who, rather than have the veil of their spiritual blindness lifted, in their arrogance try to find their own way.  They are arrogant or presumptuous.  They would presume that they have the answers themselves, would walk away from what they do know about God, and would oppress any who would follow God.  These people struggle through life under God’s rebuke.  (v. 21)

One can assume that faithfulness to God will always result in opposition from those in positions of power that are opposed to God’s law and way. (v. 22) How do we respond to the oppression and opposition of those who are opposed to the Word of God?  Typically, we respond with the use of political power by rallying like-minded citizens and forming a coalition to exert power.  We often try to use, in the name of God, the things the enemies of God have been using.  But the Psalmist does something different, something that is highly counter intuitive.  Rather than fighting power used for oppression with power for liberation, he turns to the Word of God and the testimonies and allows them to be his counselors, his cabinet, and his guide. (v. 23-24) 

“Lord, help me to rely on your Word to give me direction. AMEN”