Psalm 119 - Heth

In this stanza the psalmist does a bit of evaluation regarding his spiritual progress. He looks at the past in order to remember what he has set out to do. He has promised to keep God's words (v. 57). This is the ambition, stated in the very first stanza, which he has pursued ever since. He had made this resolve because he realized he was not where he wanted to be spiritually. Verse 59 reveals that he had considered his ways and had realized that he was walking in the wrong direction; accordingly, he had turned his feet to walk in God's ways instead. This was not a haphazard decision; he sought God with all his heart (v. 58). When he determined to live for God, his decision meant something. It completely changed the focus of his life.

After recalling the passionate resolve that had started his quest for spiritual growth, the psalmist looks at the present to evaluate whether or not he is following through. He first notices his timely obedience (v. 60). Such was the tender submission of his heart, that when God indicated a path or right action for him, he immediately gave himself to follow God's direction. This sensitive spirit is important for spiritual maturity. A heart that delays in obedience not only retards forward progress, but it unwittingly makes itself less sensitive to receive future instruction. God loves to see a heart that responds and obeys quickly, as this allows God to introduce the next area of growth.

The psalmist also notices in his evaluation that he has been faithful to obey God even under pressure (v. 61). This verse seems to recall the previous stanza, in which he was derided and oppressed by the wicked, but he continued to be faithful anyway. This response is again a reflection of the depth of his passion. He was not doing the right thing just because everyone else was or because he wanted to look good. If that were the case, he would have caved when things got tough. He didn't do that; instead he clung in commitment to God's Word even when outside pressures tried to stop him.

The third evaluation is regarding his associations (v. 63). The people that he associates with are those who fear and obey God. There is no record of who his friends were before he started his quest, but there is a record of who they are now. It is apparently a change, as he considers his current godly associations worthy of mention in the midst of his evaluation. In the first stanza, he had observed righteous people and had aspired to be like them, but now those people are his companions.

Christians sometimes have great aspirations about living for God. When they don't notice results right away, they might be tempted to give up. They feel that their efforts are wasted. They may even conclude that a godly life isn't really possible, at least not for them. This stanza offers encouragement that spiritual progress can happen; it did for this man. In fact, it will happen for any Christian who sincerely seeks it.

Sometimes the discouraging failure to see results comes because one doesn't take the time to look for them. As this man evaluated his life, he noticed results. He noticed them in specific areas: timeliness of his submission to God, faithfulness through difficult situations, and quality of his friendships. This focus on specifics is perhaps wise; it gives more definitive proof than a nebulous question like "Am I more spiritual than I used to be?" Instead of a criteria so broad, this man took note of measurable and tangible observations.

Spiritual growth can happen. Christians can experience success in building their walk with God. The growth is often so gradual and subtle that it goes unnoticed on a day-by-day or week-by-week basis. Over a period of months or years, however, a Christian should be able to identify areas of growth. He should notice that he doesn't struggle quite as much or quite as long to do what he ought to do. He should notice good things being added to his life that he did not previously do, and he should observe that he has diminished or abandoned practices that he used to do that he should not do.

Periodic evaluation is helpful as a Christian checks to see that he is striving toward the goal of being more like Christ. Evaluation of self, however, cannot be the focus. Perceived growth can easily lead to pride and complacency. The psalmist does not do this. He begins the stanza by claiming God as his portion (v. 57). God is the one who supplies him with everything necessary to live right. He asks for God's graciousness as he seeks to please Him (v. 58). He ends the stanza by asking God to continue to teach him (v. 64).

As he recognizes God's help as vitally important, the psalmist expresses his intent to thank God (v. 62). He is aware that it is God and His Word that are righteous, not himself. Any righteousness that he has achieved is by the grace of God. While he is rightfully thankful for the growth he has observed in his time of evaluation, he knows it is unwise to rest upon past progress or performance. He remains humbly dependent on God for maintaining and increasing his success in walking God's ways.

"I sought Your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your word." Psalm 119:58 (NASB)