Psalm 119:121-128

Introduction

[ILLUS] Jack Phillips, a Christian baker in Colorado has been sued three times because he refuses to make cakes that celebrate what God hates. He has refused to make cakes celebrating homosexual relationships and transgender transitions. Jack Phillips has done the right thing, and for that he has been targeted and oppressed.

In an opinion piece he wrote after winning one of his court battles, Jack wrote that he hoped that he was now out of the spotlight and that he could return to his quiet life as a cake artist.

But it was after that opinion piece that Jack was sued again.

Jack likely won’t be able to return to anonymity because his opponents won’t allow it.

Surely he has to think at time, “Will this ever end?”

I want you to do two things tonight: (1) I want you to pray for Jack. Surely a brother in a situation like this needs our prayers. And (2) I want you to put yourself in Jack’s shoes. Imagine what it would be like to be constantly facing lawsuits for doing what is right in God’s eyes.

How would you feel?

Would you eventually give in?

Where would you find strength to endure?

We all face times that feel hopeless; times that make us want to give up; times that leave us grasping for hope.

What do we do at times like that?

Psalm 119 says that we should pray—and pray according to God’s word.

[INTER] But what kind of things should we pray?

[TS] That’s what the psalmist answers for us in our verses tonight…

Major Ideas

JUST TELL ME I’M GOING TO MAKE IT.

v. 121, “I’ve done what’s right, don’t let them do this to me!”

v. 122, “Guarantee me, your servant, good, and do let these arrogant ones trample me!”

I’M TIRED OF WAITING.

v. 123, “My eyes grow weary waiting for Your salvation—the salvation promised in Your righteous word.”

I NEED YOUR MERCY AND YOUR WORD.

v. 124, “Treat me according to Your steadfast, faithful love—according to your mercy—and teach me your statutes.”

v. 125, “I am Your servant; give me understanding—discernment—that I may know Your testimonies.”

ONLY YOU CAN HELP.

v. 126, “It is time for the LORD to act, for they have broken Your law.”

YOUR WORD IS TRUE ABOUT EVERYTHING—EVEN THIS.

v. 127, “Therefore (Since?) I love Your commandments above gold, yes, above fine gold.(,)

v. 128, “Therefore I consider all Your precepts about everything as right (true) and hate every false (wrong) way.”

Conclusion