Waw - Tent Peg

Introduction

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”

The “Waw” is a picture of tent peg or tent stake. It represents security and stability. In the hot winds and shifting sands of the desert, the tent peg held the shelter in place. There are several places in the Scriptures where the body or life is compared to a tent.

Jeremiah 10:20 “My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: My children are gone forth of me, and they are not: There is none to stretch forth my tent any more, And to set up my curtains.”

Like the tent our bodies are temporary, moveable shelters. In this life, we are only pilgrims - passing through to our eternal home. But in the midst of life’s insecurities, we need something on which to anchor our souls and our lives. The answer is found in the timeless and eternal Word of God.

Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

The Word of God is like a cord that binds us to the Rock of our Salvation - the Son of God.

Waw - Psalm 119:41-48 The LORD is my Security

Mercies (vv. 41-42) this word may also be translated “lovingkindness.” This word encompasses the full range of ideas like grace and mercy with the emphasis on the infinite and unfailing love of God for His people. The concept is very well conveyed by Paul in Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:6 “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

The prophet Isaiah captured the idea of the firm foundation of God’s Word in the soul of the believer.

Isaiah 33:6 “And wisdom and knowledge shall be The stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: The fear of the Lord is his treasure.”

2. Hope (v.43) this is faith. It speaks of the healing power of faith when one is wounded by life. In the Bible, “hope” is never of the “hope so” or “maybe” variety when the hope rests in God and His Word. Rather it declares a firm and abiding assurance.

Romans 4:21 “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

The “hope” is sure because the “mercies” are secure! This word logically follows the word “trust” in verse 42 which is a word for faith that pictures casting our care on Him.

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

3. Liberty (vv.44-48) Our captive’s commitment based on his conviction from God’s Word brings courage in the face of hostile world powers. Daniel and his three friends were living examples of the principles of this courage. These men possessed a poise and calm that came from souls deeply immersed in the Word of God. They were able to display great stability, in the midst of life-threatening circumstances.

Ephesians 3:17 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,”

The Word of God freed these men from the debilitating effects of fear. While this security belongs to all who believe in Christ, tragically, not all have this assurance. Only those who treasure, guard and seek to obey the Word, have the inner conviction of His faithfulness, and depend not on their own fallible performance.

New Testament Confirmation

1. Immutable - God’s nature never changes. Jesus the same yesterday, today and forever.

Hebrews 6:18 “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”

2. Anchoring - Jesus our Stability

Hebrews 6:19–20 “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

3. Assurance - God’s Promises Never Fail - (Romans 8:35-39

Hebrews 13:5–6 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”