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Psalm 119-8 (vv113-128)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Samekh – The Reverence God’s Word Inspires­

113 I hate the double-minded,
  but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
  I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
  that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
  and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
  and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
  for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
  therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
  and I am afraid of your judgments.

Ayin – The Vindication of Those Who Keep God’s Word­

121 I have done what is just and right;
  do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
  let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
  and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
  and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
  that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
  for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
  above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
  I hate every false way.

 

Reflection

  1. We all experience pressure to take unnecessary risks, tell lies, cheat, steal, compromise our values and ethics and the list goes on and on. The psalmist dealt with it too. Even though he made it abundantly clear that he intended to live by God’s Word, but the pressure to compromise was strong. He prayed for the evildoers to depart from him and for God to uphold him. For he wanted to keep obeying God’s Word and not be put to shame (vv115-116).
  2. We need to be focused and immersed in God’s word so that we may live our lives with meaning and bearing witnesses for the Lord.
  3. God’s word has been given to us free – we can’t buy it nor sell it. And it’s way more valuable than gold or any other precious stones (v127). Though it’s priceless, it can nonetheless change all other values.
  4. We are too easily influenced by the worldly value. We measure and compare by people’s income, or the price of an item. Pray and ask God to cleanse your inner being. And help you to see and treat all with Christ’s love.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.