Psalm 119:65-72

Title: "The Goodness of God's Discipline"

Introduction: Psalm 119 is all about loving and living by God’s Word. In verses 65-72, the writer talks about how God’s discipline is good, even when it’s hard. This passage shows us how God uses tough times to teach us, change us, and draw us closer to Him.

I. God is Good and Faithful (v. 65) The psalmist says, "Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according to thy word." This means God has been good to him, just like He promised.

Key Verse: Romans 8:28 – "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Takeaway: Do we believe that God is good, even when life gets hard?

II. Learning from God (v. 66) "Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments." The psalmist asks God to help him understand right and wrong because he trusts God’s Word.

Key Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Takeaway: Are we open to learning from God in every part of our lives?

III. Hard Times Bring Us Back to God (v. 67, 71) The psalmist says, "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." And in verse 71, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." He’s saying that tough times helped him obey God again.

Key Verse: Hebrews 12:11 – "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."

Illustration: Think about gold being melted down to remove the bad stuff. That’s what hard times do for our hearts—they make us pure and strong in faith.

IV. God is Always Good (v. 68) "Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes." The psalmist praises God for being good all the time and asks to learn more about Him.

Key Verse: Nahum 1:7 – "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."

Takeaway: Do we trust that God’s goodness never changes, no matter what?

V. Staying Faithful in Hard Times (v. 69-70) The psalmist says, "The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart." Even when others lie or hurt him, he stays committed to God’s Word.

Key Verse: Matthew 5:10-12 – "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven..."

Takeaway: When people treat us unfairly, can we stay focused on God’s Word and ways?

VI. God’s Word is the Greatest Treasure (v. 72) "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver." The psalmist values God’s Word more than any amount of money or riches.

Key Verse: Matthew 6:19-21 – "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth... For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Takeaway: What do we treasure most? Is it God’s Word?

Conclusion: Psalm 119:65-72 reminds us that God uses hard times to teach us and show us His goodness. It challenges us to value His Word above everything else and trust Him through all of life’s ups and downs. Let’s pray for hearts that love His Word and grow through His discipline.