Weekly Introduction: Because the psalmist is living his life according to the precepts of God’s Word, he is able to rejoice in the life God has given him as he successfully navigates the unexpected turns and potential pitfalls of life. I pray that you will sense the joy of the psalmist as we look at the next 8 verses presented under the heading of the twenty first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Shin.

 Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word (vs 161).

The psalmist continues to address God about the persecution he is facing, this time from certain “rulers.” These “rulers” could have been leaders of some of the “tribes” of Israel, or they could have been foreign rulers. Regardless, these are not ordinary folk, but influential dignitaries. It didn’t matter to the psalmist, because he let’s God know that his heart continues to “tremble” at His word.

I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil (vs 162).

The psalmist turns his heart to rejoicing, as he tells God that he is like one who finds great treasure when he discovers the promises in God’s Word. Many of you recall Jesus parable about a traveler who unexpectedly discovered great treasure buried in a field (Mt.13:44). That treasure, of course, was the gift of LIFE that God came to give all of us.

I hate and detest falsehood, but I love your law (163).

As the psalmist continues to address God directly, he wants Him to know that he hates lying and all forms of falsehood (as should we), but that He loves His law (as should we). The psalmist loves the commandments that tells him to not “bear false witness,” and lying is to be put away from all of us.

Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws (164).

Faithful Jews would pray facing the Temple in Jerusalem seven times a day, and interestingly, the psalmist is not asking for “stuff,” but to simply praise God for all his laws, which are always good and righteous.

Great peace comes to those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble (165).

Maybe you have read this verse before, but if not, it is so instructive. If we are in a state of anxiety or fear, we can find God’s peace in His Word, and if we do, there is nothing that will cause us to stumble. If you haven’t tested God’s faithfulness in this area, just commit yourself to meditating and obeying God’s law and then you will find the peace that He offers.

I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands (vs 166).

The psalmist is patient, as painful as it is to have to “wait” for God to respond to His affliction. And while he waits, he will continue to follow God’s commands. Having to wait is often an opportunity for us to just give up and turn away from God and His law. It’s tough to wait, but we must learn to be patient for God’s deliverance, which He promises to provide for us.

I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly (vs 167).

Now the psalmist affirms his love for God’s laws, and in response, he obeys them. Jesus said a similar thing in John 14:15, 17, and 21. In short, it is the Lord’s greatest exhortation to His disciples, saying, “If you love Me, keep my commandments.”

I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you (vs 168).

The psalmist is aware that God is watching all his decisions and therefore, he has made a conscious decision to obey all of God’s precepts. He knows that God is always watching, and he is therefore careful to live a life of obedience.

Friends, God promises to deliver us from the worries, fears, and troubles that we face in life. We may have to exercise a little patience, but He will be faithful to His Word. And while we wait, let’s be sure to dig into His Word, meditate on its words, and then faithfully apply them to our lives. God bless you all.