God’s Word is Sure
November 3, 2019
Commentary
To younger people, change is a treat, but to older folks, change is often a threat. We like to relax in our comfort zone and resist the dramatic changes going on around us. But when we do, we fail to grow spiritually, and we may miss the opportunities God has for us to reach others with the Gospel. In this passage the psalmist makes some wonderful suggestions, which if headed will focus us on the eternal and enable us to be used of God during these turbulent times: (1) God’s Word is settled (v. 89). – Spend time in the Word of God and you will weather the changes of life (II Tim. 2:15). (2) God is faithful (v. 90a). He is the kind of God we can commit ourselves, our children, our grandchildren, and our great-grandchildren to. His Word is settled in heaven and proven by His faithfulness. (3) God’s creation is established (vv. 90b-91). – This present creation will stand until He ushers in a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21-22). (4) God’s peace is available (vv. 92-95). – We may not be able to delight in what is going on in this present world, but we can delight in what God says in His Word. Philosophies change, political promises fail, and contracts are broken, but the Word of God still stands. (5) God’s Word and works have no limits (v. 96). – God wants us to get out of our rut and move out for Him. He is on the throne, He holds the world in His hands, and His promises can never fail.
The psalmist devotion to the law gave him more understanding and wisdom than his enemies, teacher, and elders (vv. 97-100). By God’s Word the psalmist kept himself pure (v. 101) “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). The Lord’s teachings gave the psalmist persistence (v. 102). As we partake more and more of what God has for us, our preferences change. We desire God alone (v. 103). The Law of the Lord grants us perception to decern truth from falsehood (v. 104).
Application
God’s Word will help me have a good head and a good heart to do and obey His Word. When I am asked questions in this life, I need to have wisdom to answer them wisely and according to the principles of the Word of God.
Psalms 119:89– 104 (NET)
89 O Lord, your instructions endure; they stand secure in heaven.
90 You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations. You established the earth and it stood firm.
91 Today they stand firm by your decrees, for all things are your servants.
92 If I had not found encouragement in your law, I would have died in my sorrow.
93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have revived me.
94 I belong to you. Deliver me! For I seek your precepts.
95 The wicked prepare to kill me, yet I concentrate on your rules.
96 I realize that everything has its limits, but your commands are beyond full comprehension. מ (Mem)
97 O how I love your law! All day long I meditate on it.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for I am always aware of them.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your rules.
100 I am more discerning than those older than I, for I observe your precepts.
101 I stay away from every evil path, so that I might keep your instructions.
102 I do not turn aside from your regulations, for you teach me.
103 Your words are sweeter in my mouth than honey!
104 Your precepts give me discernment. Therefore I hate all deceitful actions. נ (Nun)