Psalm 119:161-168 is the twenty-first stanza of this psalm,
and every line or verse begins with the twenty-first letter of the Hebrew
alphabet “SHIN”, in the Hebrew Bible. During our time of study in Psalm 119, we
have noticed that the writer practiced a balanced life of faith, hope and love
by keeping the right perspective about life and what was going on around
him. We especially notice this quality
in this stanza.
In verse 161-162, the psalmist kept a deep respect for
God’s Word and rejoiced despite the difficult challenges he was facing. Back in
verse 23, we saw that the princes, the government authorities, began their
campaign against him by speaking against him (v. 23), but now they were
persecuting him in a direct way. They were probably trying to destroy him
financially and otherwise, but the psalmist was not afraid of his persecutors
because he stood in awe of God's Word. Once again, we learn that when we fear God,
we need not fear anyone else. He respected the Word and rejoiced in the Word at
the same time, for the joy of the Lord and the greatness of the Lord are
friends, not enemies. The princes wanted to rob him, but he found great wealth
in the Word of God (see vv. 14, 72). The promises of God in the Bible are
better than money in the bank, because they will never lose their value, and
nobody can take them from us.
In verse 163, the psalmist expressed hate for lying,
falsehood and deceit but love for the Law and the truth of God’s Word. We are
instructed in Psalm 97:10 to “love the Lord, hate evil". Throughout this psalm he reminded us that he loved
God's law but hated every false way (vv. 97, 104, 127-128). Here he declared
that he loved God's law but hated falsehood. Revelation 21:17; 22:15 also
reminds with that “whoever loves and practices a lie will not enter the
heavenly city and will be banished from God's presence forever”. Today we are
surrounded by the wicked “who breathe out lies”! Instead of being discouraged,
we should turn to the truth of God’s law that helps us keep the right focus!
In verses 164-165, we observe that the psalmist practiced
praise and worship and as a result experience peace and stability. The devoted
Jewish worshiper would praise God and pray three times a day (Psalm 55:17; Dan.
6:10-11), but the psalmist went beyond that and worshiped seven times a day. This
phrase “seven times a day”, means "often, or “many times”, beyond what is
expected." The legalist would set a goal and be proud that he reached it;
the Spirit-filled believer sets no goal but goes beyond any goal he might have
set. Just as prayer can bring peace to our hearts (Phil. 4:4-7), so praise can
bring peace as well.
Focusing on the Lord, asking for nothing, and totally lost
in our praise of Him, has a way of making the problems look much smaller and
the future much brighter. But praise also helps us to have poise in our
Christian walk and to not stumble (Jude 24) or cause others to stumble (1 Cor.
8:13; Rom. 14:13). The singing saint is a stable saint, walking on a level path
even when the enemy digs pits and sets up obstacles.
Finally in verses 166-168, we find the psalmist “hoping” or
literally waiting on the LORD for His salvation and deliverance. But while he
was “waiting” he continued to be obedient! Like the psalmist, we are waiting
for "the salvation of the Lord," when the Lord shall come and set His
creation and His people free (Rom. 8:18-25; 13:11; Heb. 9:28; 1 Peter 1:9).
This is the "blessed hope" that every believer anticipates and longs
for (Titus 2:13). But as we wait and hope, we must walk and work, for we want
to be found faithful when Jesus comes (Matt. 24:45-51).
Yes, when we love His Word, we will also love His appearing
(2 Tim. 4:6-8) and live like those who are ready to meet their Lord (1 John
2:28). We will keep focused on the truth of God’s Word and not be overwhelmed
by the deceitfulness of the wicked all around us.
God bless!
