Psalm 119:46
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame. Psalm 119:46
I remember as a young Christian thinking about how embarrassing it would be to talk about Jesus. I remember the fear of man rising in me to the point that everything in me would seize up; my words, my thoughts, and my actions would come to a halt.
Here the Psalmist is saying something different.
“I will also speak your testimonies…” The Psalmist is talking about something more prophetic than evangelizing. He is saying, “Because of your steadfast love, your trustworthy law and truth, with confidence (Psalm 119:41-45), I will boldly speak your testimonies.”
“…before kings…” He will be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2), to speak with kings or kings’ subjects. No one who God places in the Psalmist’s path will be too great to be kept from hearing God’s Word.
“…and shall not be put to shame.” He supports his confidence and boldness by including that this will not bring him shame.
This is a powerful statement where the Psalmist is standing in an abiding posture (John 15:4), covered by Christ. He has postured himself under the authority of God’s character and promises. He is making a strong statement and he is in a position of strength because he has hidden himself in Jesus. He makes a bold statement because the cross was a bold, final statement. He boasts in the cross (Galatians 4:16) because he is reminded that he has nothing else to boast in.
…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2 ESV
There is a confidence and a boldness that is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we are walking considering the gospel, we have a certainty that this life can not provide. There is a sureness that surpasses all understanding when God the Father reveals Himself to us through the life of Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. At these times, our understanding is inadequate but at the same time we know that we know that something supernatural is taking place in the insignificant things of life all around us.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Our prayer should not be one of more understanding but one of more surrender and acceptance.
If you find yourself feeling the limitations of your understanding and want to learn more about how to trust in the finished work of Jesus, Burke Care would love to talk that out with you. Consider reaching out to the Burke Care team today.
“God, I Look to You” Bethel Music 2011, Songwriters: Jenn Louise Johnson, Ian Bruce Mcintosh.
God, I look to You, I won’t be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God I look to You, You're where my help comes from
Give me wisdom, You know just what to do
God, I look to You, and I won’t be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God I look to You, and You're where my help comes from
Give me wisdom, You know just what to do
Yeah yeah.
And I will love You Lord my strength
And I will love You Lord my shield
And I will love You Lord my rock
Forever all my days I will love You God
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Oh hallelujah our God you reign
Forever all my days Hallelujah
Application Questions:
What is something that reigns in your heart that overwhelms you?
How has God been showing you things that you and He might see differently?
Where does shame creep into your thoughts and sap your strength and desire to be bolder?
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