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. This Psalm is truly the “Song of the Joyful Sojourner” as we see the psalmist navigate his way through 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 seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
(Zayin) – The seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet begins this 8-verse section
Interestingly, the psalmist identifies himself as the Lord’s “servant.” He believes this “title” because he is absolutely committed to keeping His commandments. If you are a Christian, then you are a “servant” of the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and his opening prayer request is for us as well:
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope (vs 49).
The Psalmist is asking the Lord to “bring to remembrance” His word; to help him remember all the precepts in His Word, because those precepts give him hope. They provide a firm foundation upon which his life has been built, and that foundation has guided his steps every day. His request is that God would continue to remind him of those precepts, and we should be asking God to do the same with us.
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life (vs 50).
We have all experienced times of suffering, and the psalmist finds comfort in God’s promises which preserve his well-being, and even his very life. Our Lord is the Great Promise Keeper, and we need to remember, just like the psalmist did, that He will “never leave us nor forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5) in times of trial and suffering.
The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law (vs 51).
The psalmist reveals the source of some of his suffering, that is, the unmerciful mocking of his arrogant adversaries. During those times, he realizes that amidst the pain of rejection, he will remain true to God’s law and not allow peer-pressure to influence him. And, of course, we should do the same.
I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them (vs 52).
The psalmist is recalling the “ancient laws” that were given to Moses on Mount Sinai about four hundred years prior. He finds comfort in those laws, because, once again, they provide not only stability in his life, but also comfort knowing that his life is aligned with those commandments.
Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law (vs 53).
Each of us may feel “indignation” or “righteous anger” because of those who have forsaken God’s Law. This suggests that these people had once known the Law, but in their own arrogance, they had rejected and then abandoned it. I’m sure we can think of those whom we know who have done the same.
Your decrees are the theme of my song; wherever I lodge (vs 54).
We have identified the entire Psalm as “The Song of the Joyful Sojourner,” and here we see that God’s decrees are actually the theme of his song. And that theme resonates with his life wherever he lodges, and I might also add, throughout the day. Yes, it should be the theme of our life-song as well, that is, the enrichment of our souls that God’s Word brings us each day.
In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law (vs 55).
Interestingly, even in the evening or at night, his thoughts turn to God’s name (Yahweh). Of course, it’s not just the name, but the character of the person who bears that name. I imagine that as the psalmist lays down for his night’s sleep, his thoughts turn to God and to his commandments that keep him on the right path. And His name should also be on our lips throughout the day as well.
This has been my practice: I obey your precepts (vs 56).
What a marvelous confession, that his practice every evening is to turn his thoughts and prayers to God. Furthermore, he is acknowledging the fact that his commitment to obey God’s precepts are certain. And, of course, such a confession should be ours as well.
The psalmist began this section with a prayer that God would bring to his remembrance all of the Lord’s commands that keep in on the right path. He even reflects on the Lord at night when he goes to bed. Such a great way to fight off insomnia, which many of us are afflicted with! Try focusing on God and His Word, laying all our requests before Him, and see how that might affect your night’s sleep. And I’ll be sure to do the same.
Hope to see you next week.
