Psalm 119 - Shin

Although one stanza of the psalm remains, this stanza seems at first glance to be a fitting conclusion for the psalm. The psalmist began the psalm by admiring those who lived according to God's Word, by noting the great blessing that came to them, and by expressing his heart-felt desire to be one of them. In this stanza he notes the achievement of his goal - he has learned to walk faithfully in God's ways. He has also realized the blessings he had sought; he overflows with rejoicing over the blessings of the Word.

There have been many lessons along the way, along with many difficulties and challenges. In some stanzas the psalmist cried out desperately in great affliction and need. At times there seemed to be no answer and no end to his troubles. This stanza, by contrast, is remarkably positive and uplifting in nature. There are very few negative words. The psalmist mentions "falsehood," but only because he hates it (v. 163). He refers to stumbling, but only because he doesn't do it (v. 165). The most negative phrase is the very first one, in which he declares that "princes persecute [him] without cause" (v. 161), but again it is something that does not trouble him.

Instead of acknowledging the negative, the psalmist talks of his success in walking in God's ways. He has learned to obey God faithfully and to live in the right way. "[I] . . . do Your commandments" (v. 166). "My soul keeps Your testimonies" (v. 167). "I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies" (v. 168). "All my ways are before You" (v. 168).

Also on the positive side, the psalmist declares his love for the Word of God. He has come to love and appreciate the Word of God to an extraordinary degree. "My heart stands in awe of Your words" (v. 161). "I rejoice at Your word" (v. 162). "I hate and despise falsehood" (v. 163). "I love Your law" (v. 163). "Seven times a day I praise You" (v. 164). "I love them exceedingly" (v. 167).

This great rejoicing and appreciation is based on the tremendous blessing he has received from the Word. There are a number of specific blessings that he mentions.

First, there is joy in the psalmist's spirit. His relationship with the Word fills him with delight and exuberance. The stanza is filled with statements illustrating that result. His life is sweeter and more uplifting because the Word is such an important part of it.

Second, the Word brings the psalmist peace. He declares that those who love God's law "have great peace" (v. 165). Even when faced with unjust persecution, he remains untroubled (v. 161). The chaos of life does not disturb him.

Third, the Word is a treasure. The psalmist views his discoveries in the Word to be as valuable as if he had just uncovered "great spoil" (v. 161). The value of the Word is so great because it provides true riches to be applied in the areas that really matter.

Fourth, the Word provides the psalmist with truth. This is in contrast with the falsehood that leads to disaster and death (v. 163). The psalmist doesn't need to worry about being led astray because he is led by the dependability of God's "righteous ordinances" (v. 164).

Fifth, the psalmist has stability. He has an anchor to hold him secure and a foundation to keep him upright in the face of whatever storm or attack comes. The psalmist says about those who love God's law that "nothing causes them to stumble" (v. 165).

Sixth, the psalmist anticipates salvation (v. 166). He has a place to turn for refuge and deliverance. He has something that will meet his every need. He is never left without an answer.

With such tremendous blessings, it is no wonder that this man loves the Word. It is no wonder that his words are filled with joy and praise to God. It is no surprise to hear his overflowing admiration for the Word.

Reaching the level that the psalmist reached is not unachievable for any Christian. It is possible. Such maturity does not happen overnight, but it does happen as a believer pursues the Word on a regular basis. Gradually the knowledge of the Word increases. Steadily the ability to walk according to the Word grows.  Progressively the love for the Word compounds. Steadily the blessings brought by the Word multiply. It may be years before one realizes he has reached the goal he has earnestly sought, but the effort of each day contributes to the journey. It will be worth it all to experience the joy and blessings of walking in God's ways.

"Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous ordinances." Psalm 119:164 (NASB)