“Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.” Psalm 119.134
The first half of this stanza contains the psalmist’s praise for how the Word of God guides his obedience (129-132). In the second half, he songs the praises of God’s protection from disobedience (133-136). That began in the verse we looked at yesterday, where the psalmist considered the promises of God and prayed for guidance and protection.
In this verse, the poet continues that thought, asking the Lord to protect him from the world’s oppression. Notice, though, that he wants deliverance from oppression not simply that he would flourish, but that he would be able to keep the precepts of God.
The forces of darkness want us to do anything but keep the precepts of God. The temptation to sin, the temptation to forsake the ways of God, is all around us. We are oppressed on every side with images, messages, attacks of all kinds. Their design is to keep us from walking in godliness. The only hope is found in the Lord, in his protection. Let us join the psalmist in praying for protection, that we may keep God’s precepts.
What are the particular ways the world tempts you to turn away from God and his guidance for your life? How often do you pray for protection from this oppression?
Heavenly Father, your ways are true. Your ways are right. Teach us to walk in your ways, O Lord. Guard us from the oppression of temptation, from this world’s attacks. Guard us, gracious God, that we might walk in your ways. Amen.