Psalm 119:42
Then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Psalm 119:42
Based on God’s steadfast love, salvation, and promise in the prior verse (Psalm 119:41), the Psalmist speaks of his response not only to those who taunt him but back to God Himself.
“Then shall I…” God has made His character known in the prior verse (Love, Salvation, Promise) and the Psalmist is compelled to respond.
“…have an answer for him who taunts me…” The Psalmist takes the opportunity to say how he plans to respond to those who taunt him.
“…for I trust in your word.” And the Psalmist takes the opportunity to say how he plans to respond to God by re-affirming his trust in His character and His Word.
The Amplified Bible Translation states, “So I will have an answer for the one who taunts me, For I trust [completely] in Your word [and its reliability].”
The Psalmist is positioning his heart toward God and trusting in His Word instead of allowing shame to consume it. Much of what happens in our lives demands a response. Being a human, even a non-response is a response. Because of the Fall in Genesis 3, when sin entered the world, taunting people has become a reality. Even in the politest of cultures it is bound to occur.
My earliest response to unkind behavior towards me was shame. I thought that there must be something wrong with me. I carried shame into my adult life, but recently I began to learn that shame does not have to be my response. I repent of my shame-filled response and turn to a response of trust and worship for all that God has done in my life.
Prior to being adopted we had no way of constructively handling shame but now, as a believer, I can bring my shame to Jesus and abide in him. His finished work of the cross has covered my shame so I can repent of my past “idol of approval” and turn to Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith.
The way I deal with those who taunt me is by keeping my eyes on Jesus. What do I do? I read scriptures like Ephesians 6:10-20, which prepare my mind and heart to speak the truth in love. I endeavor to respond by honoring Jesus, knowing that he fully and perfectly approves of me. I abide in Him, standing on the truth of His word, and remembering the way He spoke and carried himself in this world. I seek to not get lost in my suffering and shame. I lean into my Father and seek His approval above all else.
God, I confess that I go to other things in search of approval. These temporary things leave me hungry and thirsty. You approve of me so much, You have adopted me into Your family. Make me keep my eyes on You and not on temporary things. Amen!
Application Questions:
Where am I most likely to turn for approval?
Why do people’s taunts and approval weight heavy on how I feel about myself?
How can I sit in Your approval, Father, when I do not physically see You or hear You?
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