Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

The great mercy (many mercies) of God is preparing the writer to face the “many persecute and trouble me” of the next verse. God’s mercy equips us for the unknown battles we are going to face in the future.

“Many persecute me”: “Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your decrees.” (157)

There is a special relationship with God that is developed when we are persecuted for our faith. Jesus promised these benefits in his Sermon on the Mount: • Blessing- “God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God,” • Inheritance- “…for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. • Joy- “Be happy about it! Be very glad! • Reward- “For a great reward awaits you in heaven.” (Mt. 5:10, 12)

“These traitors”: “I hate these traitors because they care nothing for your word.” (158)

A traitor is someone who has been a friend, a confidant and a partner in righteousness who turns away from the words of life and becomes the total opposite of his former self. The apostles illustrated the spirit of this verse when they were searching for a replacement for Judas Iscariot: “Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas the traitor in this ministry, for he has de- serted us and gone where he belongs.” (Acts 1:25)

“Your unfailing love”: “See how I love your commandments, Lord. Give back my life because of your unfailing love.” (159)

The story of salvation is a story of love; first it is his “unfailing love” that reaches us and gives us life. When we are renewed by his love it translates into “I love your commandments, Lord.” Love begets love. “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Rom. 5:8)

“Your words are true”: “All your words are true; all your just laws will stand forever.” (160)

The eternal nature of God’s living word is an essential teaching of the Bible. His word transcends all created things, it will go on when this universe is rolled away and a new one is created. Jesus said: “But that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force in even the smallest point. It is stronger and more permanent than heaven and earth.” (Lk. 16:17)

Sin/Shin v

“Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.” (161)

“Powerful people” is also translated “rulers” (NIV) and “princes” (NKJV) people of the highest influ- ence. Spurgeon says: ‘He might have been overcome by awe of the princes had it not been that a greater fear drove out the less, and he was swayed by awe of God’s word.’ The realities of God’s word have greater importance in his life than the temporary influence of kings.

“I rejoice in your word like one who finds a great treasure.” (162)

Jesus told a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven being like a man who found a treasure hidden in a field. “In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field–and to get the treasure, too!” (Mt. 13:44) All the treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven is contained in the word of God and is waiting for those who seek it with all their hearts.

“I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your law.” (163)

The light exposes darkness and a person who consults God’s word for the decisions of life will not be easily deceived. The psalmist cannot express too often that he loves the precious law of God.

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