Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

falls into it. The owner of the well (pit) must pay in full for the dead animal but then get to keep it.” (Ex. 21:33, 34) The arrogant were using the law with evil motives; that usually results in disaster.

“All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.” (86)

He is not only trapped in a pit but he is hunted down as an animal. The enemy is using lies as weapons of prey. In contrast to the lies are the commands of God that shine with the qualities of truth and trustworthiness.

“They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments.” (87)

‘If we stick to the precepts (commandments) we shall be rescued by the promises.’ 17 God will not abandon us when the trial we face exceeds the strength we have; “We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a re- sult, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead.” (2 Cor. 1:8, 9)

“In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your decrees.” (88)

“Revive me according to your loving-kindness, so that I may keep the testimony of your mouth.” (NKJV)

It is God’s love that triumphs over our enemies; we cannot appeal to any other source. We must have both the life of his Spirit, the ‘breath of his mouth’; as well as the strength of his commands, the ‘words from his mouth’ to live victoriously over our enemies. “And the Lord God formed a man’s body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And the man became a living person.” (Gen. 2:7) This verse concludes the first half of the psalm.

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“Forever, O Lord, your word stands firm in heaven.” (89)

The foundation of our faith is exceedingly strong as this description of the Word declares. It is first eternal, not subject to the effects of time. Secondly it is the Lord’s word, it is not subject to the opinions of mankind. Thirdly, it is established firmly in heaven, above the events and turmoil of earth. Heaven has not been corrupted by sin, Satan was expelled from that realm and it operates perfectly according to the Father’s will through Jesus Christ who is the Living Word.

“Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created.” (90)

The faithfulness of God is intertwined with the firmness of his word; both endure with a steadfast- ness that is compared to the earth itself. Jesus carries the analogy farther: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Mrk. 13:31)

“Your law remains true today, for everything serves your plans.” (91)

Verse 89 speaks of eternity, verse 90 addresses each generation but this verse narrows the focus to the present day in which we read it. There is an eternal law at work in the believer’s life causing all things to daily serve God’s purposes. We can welcome difficulties as they are servants of the greater design of our creator.

“If your law hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.” (92)

His word not only sustains us but it is the source of unending happiness. It was spoken with joy from the heart of a joyful creator and those who grasp his word in faith are lifted from the misery of despair: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (Jn. 15:11)

“I am yours; save me! For I have applied myself to obey your commandments.” (94)

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