Psalm 119 - Lamedh

This stanza presents a very simple, but wonderful, concept. In essence, God's Word has power to help people because of its permanence. The faithful Word of God is trustworthy because it never changes and never loses its power.

Verse 89 boldly states the premise: God's Word is established forever. There is no time in the past at which God's Word has ever failed, and there is no time in the future at which it ever will fail. It is settled, like a monument or pillar that has been erected to timelessly mark a significant event.

God's Word is faithful because God Himself is faithful. Verse 90 declares that God's faithfulness continues for all generations - from the beginning of time to the end of time. One incredible display of God's faithfulness is the creation. Verses 90 and 91 describe the earth as it still stands in obedience to God's command. Most of what man makes becomes useless or ruined within a short space of time. Occasional artifacts date back a few thousand years, but they are no longer useful. God's earth is approximately 6000 years old, and its systems are still working.

God's creation faithfully remains, servant to a God who is ever faithful. The creation is proof that what God says stands. This amazing example helps to illustrate that God is faithful beyond anything that man can do. It is entirely reasonable, therefore, to trust in His Word.

It is a only a Word this dependable that is able to give hope and help to believers. The psalmist states, "If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction" (v. 92). Nothing else was sufficient, because nothing else is as dependable. If this man's delight had been in his circumstances, his family, his friends, his own ability, his riches, or anything else, those things would have failed him. God's Word did not fail him.

In verses 93 through 95, the psalmist continues these thoughts. God's Word has been enough in the past ("You have revived me"). It is enough in the present ("Save me, for I have sought Your precepts"). It will be enough in the future ("I will never forget Your precepts"). God's Word is faithful to help in every stage of life.

The stanza closes with what seems to be a comparison. The psalmist has "seen a limit to all perfection." Every wonderful thing that he has ever seen has limits. Any other source to rely on will fall short and will end. The Bible, on the other hand, "is exceedingly broad." It continues on and on. There is no limitation. There is no end. God's Word is forever faithful.

What a comfort it is to have a source so reliable! There is no need to wonder if the Bible will still be true in today's world or if it will be effective for modern problems. There is no fear that the Word of God given to Abraham and Moses and David and the apostles will fail the Christians of today. It has been tried and proven from the earliest generations, and it will continue faithfully the same through every generation to come.

"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89 (NASB)