Psalm 119:57-64 Heth
Heth - Devotion to the Law of God; Transcendence, Divine Grace, and Life
The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words.
I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;
I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.
Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.
At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.
I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!
--- Psalm 119:57-64 ESV
As we get deeper into Psalm 119, we begin to see patterns appear. This set of verses begins to lay the experience of life next to the need for God’s Word. This is Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s take:
In this section, the psalmist seems to take a firm hold of God Himself: approaching Him (verse 57), crying out to Him (verse 58), returning to Him (verse 59), comforting himself in Him (verses 61 and 62), associating with His people (verse 63), and longing for His personal instruction (verse 64). Note how the first verse of this octave is linked to the last verse of the former one and works as an expansion. This I had because I kept your precepts. My portion, O LORD, I have said, will be to keep thy words. Though they are many, these verses are still but one bread.
The Psalmist addresses his issues in life with God’s Word while God’s Word begins to shape the Psalmist’s life. The Psalmist is beginning to look for ways of dealing with his heart, his old ways, the things that ensnare him, his sleepless nights, and his fears with keeping God’s precepts and statutes. We are beginning to see how hearing from God and talking back to God is now bringing answers to life’s questions.
Often, we are taught there are only two ways of doing something; the right way and the wrong way. Often, I hear spouses argue. One justifies their way while the other digs in, strengthening their choice. We tend to see worldly things as black or white, good or bad. But the Bible does not present things that way. When we speak, we take one side or the other. But in Ephesians 4:15 we are reminded, “Rather, speaking the truth in love,” we are to grow into the same thinking as Jesus (paraphrase). Here is an excellent example…
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” — John 8: 3-11 ESV
We see Jesus perfectly loving this woman while giving her perfect truth. This transcends our everyday human self-focused bantering and applies gospel truths of grace for which we all long.
As we practice hearing from God and talking back to God, our conversations with God should change, as well as our conversations with others. We should begin speaking truth in love by giving gospel-centered, grace-filled responses. We are not here to argue our opinions, we are here to bring God more glory.
Glorify God by speaking truth in love and transcend the current cultural banter. If you find that anger, shame, regret, or depression has you stuck, reach out to our Burke Care team and book a session today.
Father, Thank You that Your grace gives me more than I could ever image. Thank You that much of what I need in this world is more of Your grace. Thank You that this gift of free grace has been given through the perfect life, death, resurrection and ascension of our LORD, Jesus. Keep me in Your grace until I return home to be with You in eternity. Amen
Application Questions:
When are the times that I forget about God’s truth and only spout out my opinions?
Who are the ones in my life that keep me focused on grace and God’s love in my life?
How can I put into practice “speaking truth in love” this week?
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