Steadfast in the Word Ps 119:161-168

Introduction:

Psalm 119 is not only the longest chapter in the Bible but also one of the most profound expressions of the importance of God’s Word. The psalmist, in this final stanza, gives us a window into a heart that is deeply rooted in God's Word. Throughout his journey, he has faced persecution, trials, and temptations, but his response is consistent: his heart, his actions, and his mind are steadfast in the Word of God. This psalm invites us to consider the centrality of Scripture in our lives and challenges us to make God’s Word the foundation of all we do.

1. A Peaceful Heart in a Persecuting World

Verse 161: “Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.” Cross-references:

John 15:20 – “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”

Psalm 56:4 – “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

Explanation: The psalmist is experiencing persecution from powerful people, which echoes the suffering of Jesus. Even though he is being persecuted unjustly, his response is not one of fear or bitterness. Instead, he finds solace and peace in the Word of God. He stands in awe of it, which speaks to reverence, fear, and wonder at the greatness of God’s Word.

Application: In a world where we too might face injustice or opposition for standing up for what is right, our response should be similar. We can find peace not in the circumstances but in the reverence and confidence we place in God's Word. God’s Word is our refuge, our hiding place when the world rejects us.

2. A Rejoicing Spirit in the Middle of the Fight

Verse 162: “I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Cross-references:

Jeremiah 15:16 – “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

Matthew 13:44 – “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”

Explanation: The psalmist compares his delight in God’s Word to finding great treasure. The joy that comes from encountering God’s truth is more valuable than any material wealth or worldly gain. This joy is not circumstantial, but rooted in the eternal value of the Word of God.

Application: When we engage with Scripture, it should bring us joy, just as finding treasure brings joy. When we meditate on God's Word, we should recognize that the treasure it provides far surpasses anything else we could possess. The Word is life-giving and enriching to our souls.

3. A Pure Love for a Pure Word

Verse 163: “I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.” Cross-references:

Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”

Romans 12:9 – “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

Psalm 119:104 – “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.”

Explanation: The psalmist expresses strong emotions against falsehood. He abhors lying, and this hatred for deceit comes from his deep love for God’s truth. The purity and holiness of God’s Word make him abhor everything that is false. To love the truth means to hate falsehood, and this battle is evident in the life of the believer.

Application: When we love God's Word, we develop an aversion to anything that contradicts it. The truth of God’s Word exposes lies and falsehoods in the world, and as followers of Christ, we must align ourselves with His truth, hating and rejecting what is false.

4. A Consistent Praise in a Consistent Word

Verse 164: “Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.” Cross-references:

Psalm 34:1 – “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Psalm 55:17 – “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.”

Explanation: The psalmist’s praise is continuous, marking all aspects of his life. He praises God for His righteous judgments, and this is not limited to special occasions but happens throughout the day. The psalmist commits himself to constant worship—an example for us all.

Application: Worship should not be confined to Sundays or specific moments. When we meditate on God’s Word, praise naturally flows from our hearts. As we face life’s daily challenges, we can offer praise to God for His wisdom, His justice, and His righteousness. Make praise a continual part of your life.

5. A Deep Peace from a Deep Obedience

Verse 165: “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Cross-references:

Isaiah 26:3 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Explanation: The peace that comes from loving God’s Word is not just an absence of conflict, but a deep, abiding peace that transcends circumstances. The psalmist claims that when we love God's Word and allow it to govern our hearts, we will experience peace that shields us from offense and hurt.

Application: True peace comes from a deep relationship with God’s Word. As we love God’s law, we begin to understand His character and His promises, which bring peace to our hearts, even when the world around us is in turmoil.

6. A Hopeful Waiting Rooted in Obedience

Verse 166: “LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.” Cross-references:

Romans 8:25 – “But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

James 1:25 – “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

Titus 2:13 – “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Explanation: The psalmist’s hope is not passive; it is coupled with action. While he waits for God’s salvation, he actively obeys God’s commandments. This dual action of hope and obedience reflects the tension believers often experience between the already and the not yet.

Application: Waiting on God does not mean inactivity. As we await Christ’s return and ultimate salvation, we must continue in obedience, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect time.

7. A Love That Leads to Living Right

Verse 167: “My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.” Cross-references:

John 14:15 – “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

1 John 5:3 – “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

Psalm 119:97 – “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.”

Explanation: The psalmist's love for God's testimonies is not superficial; it is deep and real. His obedience flows from a heart that loves God’s Word. This love drives his life’s actions, and his commitment to God’s truth is reflected in the way he lives.

Application: Obedience is the natural result of loving God’s Word. If we truly love God, we will obey Him—not out of obligation, but out of exceeding love. Loving God’s Word leads to living by it.

8. A Watchful Walk That Honors God

Verse 168: “I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.” Cross-references:

1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Hebrews 4:13 – “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

Proverbs 5:21 – “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.”

Explanation: The psalmist recognizes that all of his actions are before God’s eyes. This awareness keeps him faithful to God’s Word, as he knows that God is watching and evaluating his actions.

Application: We should live with the awareness that God sees all we do. This realization should encourage us to live in a way that honors God, whether in private or public, for all our ways are before Him.

Conclusion:

Psalm 119:161-168 invites us to live a life that is rooted in love for God’s Word, marked by peace, joy, obedience, and a steadfast hope. The psalmist shows us that God’s Word is not just a book to be read—it is a guide for living, a source of strength in trials, and a reason for constant praise. As we meditate on this passage, may we be inspired to make the Word of God our foundation and to live in a way that reflects our deep love and reverence for it.

Invitation: As we close today, I urge you to reflect on the place God’s Word holds in your life. Is it your foundation? Are you living by it? Let us commit to being steadfast in the Word of God, finding joy, peace, and hope in every circumstance.