Self-Examination

“When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;” Psalm 119.59 In this verse, we see the value of self-examination, for examining ourselves with the Word of God leads to repentance. Keep in mind the theme of the current stanza. The psalmist highlights the benefits of finding one’s portion in God (57), in relying on his …

Praying for Mercy

“I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.” Psalm 119.58 There is no greater mercy to be found than that which is revealed in the Word of God. In this verse, following his exclamation of the Lord being his portion and resolved obedience (57), the psalmist calls out for the Lord’s mercy. …

The Lord, Our Portion

“The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words.” Psalm 119.57 We’re entering a new stanza in our trek through this splendid psalm, and what a start we have with the poet’s opening exclamation. The original language here could be translated, “The Lord, my portion!” It’s a joyous cry as the psalmists finds his portion, his sustenance, in God. Spurgeon …

Service Preview – Sunday, December 23

Last Sunday, Eric Dodson helped us consider five profound truths about Jesus found in Matthew 1. If you missed this sermon, you can watch by clicking here: This Sunday, we look ahead to “Christmas Future” through studying Revelation 21:1-22:5. Eric gives us the following words to help shape our thinking through this passage: “This week, we’ll continue to prepare our hearts for worship …

The Blessing of Obedience

“This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.” Psalm 119.56 The psalmist comes to the end of this seventh stanza of this profound celebration of God’s Word. As he does, he pauses to recognize the blessing he has received. He fully realizes that this blessing is not earned. He did not come to this point of his …

Remembering the Lord

“I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law.” Psalm 119.55 This stanza of Psalm 119 began with a prayer for God to remember his promises to his servant. In this verse, the servant proclaims his commitment to remember God. As George Zemek points out, “God’s person prompts his commitment.” What a great example this is for us! …

Comfort for the Sojourner

“Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.” Psalm 119.54 This fallen sphere is not our home. The psalmist knew this truth well. Repeatedly in Psalm 119 he refers to his life as a sojourner, wanderer, a temporary traveler. This is an apt description of every follower of God. As believers in Jesus Christ, we know that …

Righteous Indignation

“Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.” Psalm 119.53 The concept of righteous anger is difficult for many to even fathom, even more difficult to master. As we’re working through this masterful psalm verse by verse, the current verse can seem out of place. It’s particularly striking in this stanza that speaks about the comfort …

God’s Unchanging Truth

“When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord.” Psalm 119.52 God’s Word is timeless. Yes, it was delivered in a point in time, and we should understand it properly in its historical context. Still, the principles and meaning of God’s truth do not change with the passing of time. He has established standards for right …

Comfort in Persecution

“The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.” Psalm 119.51 Scripture makes clear that the faithful will face derision and contempt from the world. On his final night with the disciples, Jesus prepared them for persecution. He reminded them that just as the world hated him, they will hate his followers (John 15.18-27). Paul assured …