The Word--Part 2

Like Moses, David, and even Jesus, the Psalmist treasured the written Word of God.

The Psalmist also knows that he can trust God to protect him and © fulfill His promises (Ps. 56:4). God had already demonstrated the power of His truth (Ps. 33:4) and His covenant promises. God had spoken and acted upon these promises throughout the ages (Ps. 105:8, 147:19). Thus, the promises of God, contained in His Word, give men hope during various trials. "My soul fainteth for salvation, but I hope in Thy Word." (Ps. 119:8l see also 119:116. 107, 154, 41). Over and over again, the Psalmist declares that

  • " I hope in Thy Word." (Ps. 118:81).
  • "I trust in Thy Word." (Ps. 119:423).
  • "I have hoped in Thy Judgements" (Ps. 119: 43),
  • and "in His Word do I hope." (Ps. 130:5).

God's Word also brings comfort and renewal during trials and afflictions (Ps. 119:50, 67, 82). Thus, when the Psalmist needs God's help and protection, he turns to God's Word and His promises as a basis for his pleas for help. "Remember the Word unto Thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope." (Ps 119:49). "Let my supplication come before Thee: deliver me according to Thy Word." (Ps. 119:170, see also 119:107, 114, 116, 123, 147, 154) – The key to man's receiving God's protection is man's obedience to God's Word. The Psalmist understands that disobedience to God's Word, or disbelieving the truth of what God said, was a sin. "Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not His Word: . . . Therefore he lifted up His hand against them, (Ps. 106:24, 26). The Word teaches men how to act (Ps.119:105) to please the Lord.

 If a man fails to heed God's Word and sins, he will be punished; but God promises mercy (Ps. 119:67) and renewal (Ps. 119:9) to the repentant sinner (Ps. 119:67). The Word Itself givens the basis of hope and renewal for the sinner (Ps. 119:17, 58). 'Thus, as the Psalmist looks at the blessings he has received, he is filled with praise, adoration, and love for God's Word (Ps. 56 10). The Psalmist knows the goodness of God's Word (Ps. 119:72, 160). The study of God's Word is delightful for him (Ps. 119:16), and he loves It (Ps. 119:140 Although he suffers persecution for obeying God's Word, the Psalmist retains His awe of the Word (Ps. 119:161). The Word grows increasingly important to him (Ps. 119:162); he desires to know and understand it more and more (Ps. 119:38, 119:169).

 

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,

    who walk according to the law of the Lord.

2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes

    and seek him with all their heart—

3 they do no wrong

    but follow his ways.

4 You have laid down precepts

    that are to be fully obeyed.

5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast

    in obeying your decrees!

6 Then I would not be put to shame

    when I consider all your commands.

7 I will praise you with an upright heart

    as I learn your righteous laws.

8 I will obey your decrees;

    do not utterly forsake me [Psalm 119:1-8, NIV]

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