Outline (Kel):
I. The psalmist prays for God to fulfill his word because it has given him comfort and hope in the midst of his affliction (49–50).
II. The psalmist affirms his faithfulness to God’s word, which comforts him, even when he is scorned by the wicked who rebel against God’s word (51–53).
III. The psalmist explains that the word of the LORD has filled him with singing and the name of the LORD has inspired his obedience (54–56).
Note and Reflection:
119:50 This is what comforts me in my trouble,
for your promise revives me.
for your promise revives me.
"In" my trouble, the psalmist found comfort from God's promise. Not "after" the trouble subsided he was comforted. Troubles do not end in this world. Everyday, from our personal lives or from the political atmosphere we either see troubles or the coming of troubles. Can we find comfort in God's words, especially from His promise?
119:52 I remember your ancient regulations,
O LORD, and console myself.
119:53 Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked,
O LORD, and console myself.
119:53 Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked,
those who reject your law.
119:54 Your statutes have been my songs
in the house where I live.
119:54 Your statutes have been my songs
in the house where I live.
Believers are weird. On one hand, we have rages, but on the other hand, we found consolation from God's words. Can we focus our mind to His Words and let His words be our songs? Focus our attention not on the rage, but on how can please Him.
Application: (Kel)
The ongoing affliction that the psalmist was experiencing is at the center of this stanza too. But in spite of the scorn and affliction, he finds comfort in God’s word, hope in his promises, and inspiration in the revelation of the name of the LORD. So there is comfort, hope and joy from the LORD through his word, in spite of the wickedness around him.
All believers sooner or later have to deal with the scorn and opposition from the world, as well as the awareness of how the world continues to transgress God’s laws openly and shamelessly. They will pray therefore for God to end the trouble by fulfilling his promises; but in the meantime, they must focus their attention on his word and live out their faith with joy in the midst of evil.
Audrey
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