Hope in God’s Word

Psalms 119:73–80
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Perseverance is almost a lost virtue in our instant-orientated society. Spiritual maturity does not occur overnight. While the Psalmist is experiencing some persistent type of affliction he has been promised some great blessing. He waits for God’s Word to be fulfilled. In this passage we can see:

1. Convictions that encourage perseverance.
   1. My Creator has a plan for my life. “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: gave me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments” (v. 73).
   2. My Lord will do what is best for me.
      1. He encourages the hearts of the godly. “They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped (waited) in Thy Word (v. 74).
      2. He is righteous and faithful in afflicting me. “I know O Lord, that Thy judgements are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me” (v. 75).
      3. He is loving and compassionate to comfort me. “Let I pray thee, Thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Thy Word unto Thy servant (v. 76).
      4. He brings delight to my soul because He disciplines me in love. “Let Thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for Thy law is my delight” (v. 77).
      5. He takes care of those who have wrongfully dealt with me. “Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without cause” (v. 78).
2. Results of perseverance.
   1. Renewed fellowship with the godly. “Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known Thy testimonies” (v. 79).
   2. A heart that bears no shame because of a clear conscience. “Let my heart be sound in Thy statutes; that I be not ashamed (v. 80).

He prayed that those who fear the Lord would turn to him in accord with His Word (vv. 79-80).

Application

I want to be known to persevere when the going gets tough and not someone who quits easily.