Hope From God’s Word
March 6, 2024
Commentary
If we are to stay balanced in an unbalanced world, we will have:
1. Courage – (vv. 49-50)
a. Hope in God’s Word. “Remember the word unto Thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope” (v. 49).
b. Help through God’s comfort. “This is my comfort in my affliction: for Thy Word hath quickened me” (v. 50).
2. Conflict – (vv. 51-52)
a. Arrogant people. “The proud have had me greatly in derision” (v. 51).
b. Assurance from history. “I remembered Thy judgments of old, O Lord” (v. 52).
3. Consternation (Means horrified shock) – (v. 53) – “Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake Thy law.” We need to be shocked and disgusted with the world.
4. Consolation (vv. 54-55)
a. Melody. “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage” (v. 54).
b. Meditation. “I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law” (v. 55). (This consists of remembering and meditating on the Word of God)
5. Compliance (v. 56) “This I had because I kept Thy precepts.” (This means obedience)
Application
The only way I can stay balanced in my Christian life is to obey God’s call on my life.
Psalms 119:49– 56 (NET)
Verses not found.
Illustration: Elderly Man Honored On a Cruise Ship
The story is told of a party on a cruise ship. Speeches were being made by the captain, crew and other guests aboard the ship. An elderly gentlemen sat as the guest of honor and seemed somewhat embarrassed as praise was being heaped on him. Earlier that morning a young woman had fallen overboard and within seconds the old man was in the dark water at her side. The woman was rescued and the elderly man became a hero. He was asked to come to the microphone and give what was to be a hero’s speech. But to the crowds amazement he said these words; “All I want to know is who pushed me in?” (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).