“Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.” Psalm 119.77 As mentioned previously, the current stanza of psalm 119 sets up in a chiastic structure, pointing the reader’s attention to this and the previous verse. As the psalmist extolls the value of God’s word in helping him face affliction, he ultimately recognizes …

“Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119.76 We cannot understand the psalmist’s prayer in this verse without remembering the context. The psalmist has proclaimed that God is righteous. He has also reminded himself that his affliction is a sign of God’s faithfulness in chastening him. That mature response to his trials is …

“I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” Psalm 119.75 There is great maturity in this verse. Immaturity bucks against correction, fails to see the wisdom in it. In contrast, the acceptance and affirmation of correction—even painful correction—demonstrates maturity. The psalmist begins his display of maturity by affirming what he knows …

As we returned to John’s Gospel last Sunday, we considered the mercy Christ shows sinners even as he is betrayed by his very own. If you missed this message, you can still listen by clicking here. In anticipation of our next gathering, Eric prepares us with these words: “This week, we’ll look at the contrast between Christ and Peter on …

“Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.” Psalm 119.74 In the previous verse, the psalmist called out to God for understanding. He recognized that God created him, thus he wanted God’s word to guide his life. Here, the psalmist highlights one of the benefits of finding our hope in and living …

“Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.” Psalm 119.73 This verse draws us into the tenth stanza of this masterful psalm. The section sets up in a chiastic structure, a poetic device that focuses the readers attention on the center of the passage (in this case, verses 76-77). The psalmist uses …

“The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Psalm 119.72 The psalmist brings another stanza to a close with this cry of pure, unadulterated praise for God’s word. His language may seem hyperbolic; but he does not exaggerate. This is truth. The law of God, his special revelation to man, is far …

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” Psalm 119.71 This verse continues the psalmist’s string of praise for the goodness of God seen in Scripture. He continues to sing of the Lord’s goodness by pointing out God’s goodness in his affliction. Don’t let this point pass you without taking time to ponder …

“Their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law.” Psalm 119.70 This verse continues to draw out the contrast the psalmist began in the prior verse. He highlights the difference between one who lives according to the ways of the world and the one who lives in devotion to Scripture. The poet uses a brief but powerful …

“The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;” Psalm 119.69 The psalmist returns to a repeated theme here: the usefulness of God’s word for believers living in a fallen world. He speaks again of the world’s attacks, derisions, and false accusations. These people try to smear him with lies, with false accusations against …