In
the first four verses the psalmist declared that the LORD was presently helping
him. He knew he could trust the LORD because the “LORD had given the
commandment to save him...” (v. 3). The psalmist also was encouraged in the
midst of his old age and troubles by looking back and remembering God’s
faithfulness in the past (vv. 5-13). He acknowledges that the LORD was helping
him now (vv. 1-4), that the LORD had helped him in the past (vv. 5-13), and now
in verses 14-21, he declares that the LORD will help him in the future.
As
the psalmist looked to the future you will notice that he moved from "You
are my hope" (v. 8) to "I will hope continually" (v.
14; see Psalm 36:5; 37:10). The future is secure when Jesus is your Lord. The
word translated "hope" in verse 14 means a long and patient
waiting in spite of delays and disappointments. If we trust God, then the trials
of life will work for us and not against us and will lead to glory (2 Cor.
4:16-18; Rom. 5:1-5).
In
the New American Standard Bible translation, the psalmist says in verse 14: “But
as for me, I will hope continually…”. We have to admire the psalmist for this
declaration, because it reveals his courage and commitment. Others may drift
with the crowd and deny the Lord, but he would continue to be faithful and bear
witness of God's mercies.
In
verse 15, you can sense the psalmist’s humility as he also declared that he
would only speak of the LORD’s righteousness! Most of us are apt to speak of all
the righteous and good things we have done, and we want to make sure that
people notice how wonderful we are. But not this dear psalmist!
He
couldn't begin to measure or count the Lord's righteous acts or "deeds
of salvation" (AMP), but he would never stop praising the Lord,
especially in his old age. Why? Because he wanted to live and tell the next
generation what the Lord could do for them (v. 18; see Psalm 48:13; 78:4, 6;
79:13; 102:18; 145:4; 2 Tim. 2:2). God wants us to be a witness to the upcoming
generations. Our biggest influence on them is the testimony of how the LORD did
miracles in our own lives as we exercised faith and put our trust in Him (vv. 16-18)
He
was even certain that death would not separate him from his God (vv. 19-21).
Some believe that the phrase "depths of the earth" (v. 20b), is
a metaphor for the troubles he had experienced. He felt like he had been "buried
under trouble", but God had revived and restored him. Also, some texts read "shall revive us"
instead of "me," which could refer to the future
"resurrection" and restoration of the nation of Israel (Psalm 80:3,
19; 85:4; Ezek. 37). Perhaps both personal (Psalm 16:8-11; 17:15; 49:15) and
national resurrection are involved.
In
verse 21, the psalmist knew and believed that no matter what his enemies had
said about him, the day would come when God would honor him, (“increase my
greatness”), and reward him with comfort and strength for whatever
he might have to face in the future.
My
friend, today the future might look pretty bleak for the believer here in
America, and even around the world, as the wicked and ungodly people seem to
have their way, and are openly despising and denying God, and attacking those who
love and live for Him. But we can, and should still determine to “hope
continually and praise our great God more and more”!
God
bless!
