“I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.” Psalm 119.141
Following the Word of God is not a path to fame, popularity, and vast worldly influence. Rather, it is likely a way to pain, derision, and persecution. The world has rejected the ways of God. Scripture, to them, is foolishness and vain myths. That means that those who follow it can expect—in the eyes of the world—to be small and despised.
We must be comfortable with this. The pressures of the world cannot hold sway over our commitment to faithfulness. The psalmist models that in this verse. He recognizes that he is small and despised; nevertheless, he is committed to keeping the precepts of God. As we’ve seen many times in this psalm, the poet sets a great example for us.
We must share his commitment. Believers cannot allow the pressures of the world, or the desire to alleviate those pressures, lessen our commitment to the Word of God.
In what ways are you tempted to desire approval of the world over faithfulness to the Word of God? How are you fleeing or fighting those temptations? How are you deepening your commitment to the precepts of God?
Gracious God, may our love for you and your Word grow. Help us, dear Lord, to esteem your revelation far above the approval of the world. Guard us from temptation to cave to worldly pressure—that our lives might be marked by faithfulness and obedience. Amen.