Great Is Your Mercy

“Great is your mercy, O Lord; give me life according to your rules.” Psalm 119.156 The exaltation of God’s mercy in this verse may seem like a blunt change from the previous verse. In that verse, the psalmist spoke clearly about the lost person’s distance from the Lord because of his rejection of God’s law (155). Here, he sings of …

Far from Salvation

“Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.” Psalm 119.155 This verse, with its stern and abrupt language, highlights a truth that every believer must keep in mind. The world is not mostly good or a little misguided. The world is not close to God and in need of a nudge in the right direction. …

Plead My Cause

“Plead my cause and redeem me, give me life according to your promise.” Psalm 119.154 The psalmist recognizes something here that we too must recognize. He cannot plead his own cause. He cannot redeem himself. This may seem obvious. Perhaps you even realize it on a theoretical basis. But friend, our hearts are deceptive.  Far too often, even those of …

Look on My Affliction

“Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.” Psalm 119.153 This prayer opens a new stanza, one where the psalmist leans still further into his call for God’s care, protection, and provision. He begins with a call for God to look on—or consider—his affliction. This is a call for divine compassion. It’s a call …

The Foundation of Devotion

“Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.” Psalm 119.152 This verse brings another stanza of this epic poem to a close. This section has been one of pure, unbridled devotion. It’s been an urgent prayer of devotion to God and to his Word. And, what is the basis of that devotion? It is the …

Near, O Lord

“But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.” Psalm 119.151 The beauty of this verse cannot be understood fully apart from the previous verse. There, the psalmist spoke of the nearness of his enemies, the proximity of the evil threat. Here, his focuse shifts away from the enemies. Spurgeon describes his thinking well: “Near as the …

Spiritual Battle

“They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.” Psalm 119.150 The poetry in this verse is stunning in beauty. The psalmist has mentioned his enemies many times. He has called unto the Lord for protection. This verse gives full attention to the enemies, describing them with brilliant poetic contrast. His enemies are near. …

Confident Devotion

“Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O Lord, according to your justice give me life.” Psalm 119.149 The psalmist has sung of his urgency in prayer (147) and his urgency in meditating upon the Word of God (148). His devotion is zealous, rising early to commune with God. In this verse, he explains the reason for his urgency, …

Urgent Meditation

“My eyes awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.” Psalm 119.148 In the previous verse, the psalmist spoke of his urgent prayers, rising early in the morning to cry out unto the Lord (147). Here, he expands on his urgent display of devotion. He rises early to pray and to meditate on the …

Urgent Prayer

“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.” Psalm 119.147 This verse sings of the psalmist’s urgency in prayer and devotion. He has shown his devotion in prayer, praying from his whole heart (145). He has shown the content of his prayer, his desperation for salvation (146). Now, he demonstrates his urgency. He rises early, …