In First Timothy, we saw a picture of what it means to be a faithful church in the coming year and beyond. If you missed last week’s message, you can still listen by clicking here. As we take time to prepare for gathering again, Eric gives us these words: “This Sunday we’ll return to the gospel of John and begin …
God’s Goodness
“You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.” Psalm 119.68 This verse opens with a poignant proclamation of truth about God. He is good. Goodness is God’s essential nature, and good works flow out of that. God is good, and he does good. The psalmist offers the purest praise of God in this statement, as he simply affirms …
Kindness and Repentance
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” Psalm 119.67 Often when we think about the Lord’s kindness, we think about salvation, the forgiveness of our sins. We also tend to think of God’s kindness in terms of his gracious provision. These are indeed examples of God’s kindness. But there is one form of divine …
Understanding God’s Goodness
“Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.” Psalm 119.66 As the inspired poet continues to consider the kind dealings of the Lord, he again appeals to God for teaching. This highlights one of God’s greatest kindnesses to us. That God has given us his Word is gracious. Giving us understanding of that revelation is exceedingly …
According to Your Word
“You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.” Psalm 119.65 This verse introduces us to a new stanza of the psalm, one that will extol the goodness of the Lord through his Scripture. He begins by singing praises of the Lord for how well God has dealt with him. If we think about it, we …
Seeing God’s Steadfast Love
“The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!” Psalm 119.64 The psalmist began this stanza with an expression of dependence and devotion, exclaiming that the Lord was his portion (57). Here, he brings this stanza to a close with a similar expression of devotion and dependence. The poet is wholly aware of the abundant …
The Word on Companionship
“I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.” Psalm 119.63 There are plenty of groups to be a part of, plenty of ways to identify with other people. You could be a part of a particular sports team’s fan base. You might be affiliated with a particular political party. Perhaps you identify as …
When Darkness Sets In
“At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.” Psalm 119.62 Where do you turn when darkness sets in? In psalm 119.61, the psalmist spoke of the wicked having him in a snare. He spoke of his commitment to remember the Word of God in such trying times. In this verse, he drives that point home. At …
Feeling Trapped?
“Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.” Psalm 119.61 Often in this psalm, we’re reminded of the poet’s struggles in the world. We’ve already read about the wicked holding him in derision (51). Here the opposition is enhanced. He feels ensnared, trapped, bound up by the wicked. If you think over your life, …
Obedience Without Delay
“I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.” Psalm 119.60 When this verse is coupled with the previous, we see a biblical picture of repentance. When we recognize the sinfulness of our own ways, we eagerly turn to the counsel of God, then we hasten to obey God’s commands. This is a Spirit-empowered work. We consider our own …