God's Word helps you in battle

 Psalm 119:81–88 (ESV): 

Kaph

 81  My soul longs for your salvation; 

I hope in your word. 

 82  My eyes long for your promise; 

I ask, “When will you comfort me?” 

 83  For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, 

yet I have not forgotten your statutes. 

 84  How long must your servant endure? 

When will you judge those who persecute me? 

 85  The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; 

they do not live according to your law. 

 86  All your commandments are sure; 

they persecute me with falsehood; help me! 

 87  They have almost made an end of me on earth, 

but I have not forsaken your precepts. 

 88  In your steadfast love give me life, 

that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. 

Do you long for salvation and for God’s promises? Sometimes you can feel dry, cracked and worn out like a ‘wineskin in the smoke’, do you keep holding onto God’s promises then? Even when life is tough, and it looks like God’s blessings are far off, do you remain obedient? 

It can seem that the world is against you at times, and in some ways that is true, as the Prince of this world, Satan, wants to prevent you from living God’s way. So he will send temptations, trials and troublesome people to obliterate your faith and surround you with lies. What do you do when that happens? 

This writer admits they have experienced this, yet although ‘they have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts’. Their steadfast love and faithfulness to God has held firm. For they have taken the truth of God’s Word, read it, studied it and applied it to their life. So now, in the times of trouble, they can depend upon God and know what the truth is. They know He has spoken about salvation, freedom and the blessing of the obedient. They are assured of salvation because ‘i hope in your word’. They really know what God is like and what He has said for they have taken time to learn and obey. So now, in  persecution, they can trust that God is for them and will bring them through. They have built a firm foundation of faith, and can rely on the knowledge that they are one of God’s people, so He will come to their aid against any enemy that comes against them. They have the Word of God to rely on. Jesus fought with Satan in the wilderness with the Word of God, and eventually the enemy fled. For he cannot stand against God’s Word. So, are you investing time in reading and understanding Scripture? It is a powerful weapon in times of trouble!

Psalm 119:89–96 (ESV): 

Lamedh

 89  Forever, O Lord, your word 

is firmly fixed in the heavens. 

 90  Your faithfulness endures to all generations; 

you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 

 91  By your appointment they stand this day, 

for all things are your servants. 

 92  If your law had not been my delight, 

I would have perished in my affliction. 

 93  I will never forget your precepts, 

for by them you have given me life. 

 94  I am yours; save me, 

for I have sought your precepts. 

 95  The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, 

but I consider your testimonies. 

 96  I have seen a limit to all perfection, 

but your commandment is exceedingly broad. 

Sometimes life is hard so that you feel downcast and like life is a drudge. Especially when there’s unfair persecution when you are living your life faithfully obedient to God. When will the suffering end? is often a question we ask, and when will the persecuters get their comeuppance? At those times, how precious and beautiful is the Word of God! The reliable, consistent life-giving statutes, the truth, hope, reassurance and revelation of Jesus, the conviction of sin and righteousness. Oh how promising and enjoyable are the Scriptures that not only are in our hands, but are ‘firmly fixed in the heavens’! 

When you feel disheartened, disillusioned or downcast, remember not only the sufferings of Christ, but the established faithfulness of God through millennia, and the steadfastness of His Word. Turn to God, trust in Scripture and cling to it. This writer, even when enemies are lying in wait makes a point of recalling God’s Word. Just like Jesus, this writer uses the Word of God to fight his battles. Do you do the same? To do this you can; commit to memory the Word of God, recall stories and verses, remember the battles fought and won in times past, and trust in the testimonies of God’s goodness. These are the things to dwell upon rather than the distress of the situation you are in or the threats of the enemy. For even the perfect plan of Satan, however welll thought through and resourced is limited (v96) and cannot stand against God’s Word. His Word has given you life, it is trustworthy and certain and established in the heavens. Are you using it to bring life, hope and victory in your troubles?

Reciprocating Father God's love

 Psalm 119:65–72 (ESV): 

Teth

 65  You have dealt well with your servant, 

O Lord, according to your word. 

 66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge, 

for I believe in your commandments. 

 67  Before I was afflicted I went astray, 

but now I keep your word. 

 68  You are good and do good; 

teach me your statutes. 

 69  The insolent smear me with lies, 

but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; 

 70  their heart is unfeeling like fat, 

but I delight in your law. 

 71  It is good for me that I was afflicted, 

that I might learn your statutes. 

 72  The law of your mouth is better to me 

than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 

God treats us in accordance with Scripture, 'You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.' If you follow God’s Word, then you receive a blessing from Him, if you disobey, then you will receive discipline. You can be assured that God will deal well with you and always uphold His Word. He will reward you and bless you when you are faithful to Him, plus He will give you opportunity to correct your behaviour and be led into righteousness and forgiveness when you err, because He is good.. The psalmist confesses, ‘Before i was afflicted i went astray, but now i keep your word.’ Sometimes when you encounter difficulty, do you assess your heart and mind to see if there is some error or sin on your part? This writer did, and as he evaluated his motivation and actions, he realised that they were not in alignment with God's Law. Therefore he acknowledged the source of the affliction, changed his heart, mind and actions and concluded that following God's direction is best. To avoid the; shame, heartache, guilt and suffering that disobedience brings, it is better to read God's ways and follow them. Save yourself from affliction.

It is important to note that not all suffering is due to disobedience, sin or error, but sometimes it is. The sense in this psalm seems to be that the author knows they have messed up and deserved the discipline, and they have learnt from it. Sometimes, do you suffer because you know you are disobeying the Word of God? Or is the suffering due to the fact that their is brokenness and sin in the world? Be sure to check your own heart and motives to see if there is any ungodly way in you. David did, in psalm 139 he says, 'see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!' (v24). Are you of the same mindset? It should not be a shameful thing for you to assess your heart and actions. Jesus died for a reason - to forgive you of ALL sin and free you from affliction. So, admitting that you have gone wrong gives you the opportunity to appreciate Jesus; his life, death and resurrection and learn to live different empowered by the Holy Spirit.

God can show you how to live a faithful life - He has given His Word to instruct you, and His Son to show you. As a good parent, God highlights where you are going wrong, and champions your right living. Good parents want to train you to have a good, healthy life, and to be kind and considerate of others. When it is noticed that you are not doing so, it is good and loving of a parent to let you know. God is that loving Father for you. So, don't be worried or afraid if he points out things to you that He wants you to change, it is not judgement, it is love. Other people do not love or care about you in the same way. Even if they end up trying to ‘smear me with lies’ that this behaviour or manner of life is ok, remember that, 'their heart is unfeeling like fat'! Whereas God will always love you and tell you the truth. Therefore, be more concerned about what He says through the Bible than what others say. Like this writer, learn to love the Word of God for it never changes. Yet, it will challenge and change you because God loves you, and wants you to live the best life you can. Learn to be happy when God disciplines you, for it shows that He cares about you and loves your life. Remind yourself that, ‘it is good for me that i was afflicted, that i might learn your statutes’. 

Psalm 119:73 -80 (ESV): 

Yodh

 73  Your hands have made and fashioned me; 

give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 

 74  Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, 

because I have hoped in your word. 

 75  I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, 

and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 

 76  Let your steadfast love comfort me 

according to your promise to your servant. 

 77  Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; 

for your law is my delight. 

 78  Let the insolent be put to shame, 

because they have wronged me with falsehood; 

as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. 

 79  Let those who fear you turn to me, 

that they may know your testimonies. 

 80  May my heart be blameless in your statutes, 

that I may not be put to shame! 

No-one else has such a claim on your life than God does! He is your Father who made and fashioned you - he hand-crafted your outer and innermost being. Therefore He has a greater right to guide you and should be permitted to have greater influence in your life than anyone else. Do you let Him?

Learn to live for the One who made you, who knows you and loves you unconditionally. Then you will be loved and rejoiced in by those who also know and acknowledge Him. You have a beautiful family through faith in God that will help, lead and guide you in His ways. They will support you in righteousness and lead you to the Word of God. Plus, you will be able to guide and guard others as they see your righteous living, they will come to you ‘that they may know your testimonies’. What a privilege and a responsibility you have within God’s family! The privilege of many who love and invest in you, and the responsibility to lead, love and guide others into the ways of God.

This passage of psalm 119 repeats the word ‘let’ from verse 77. It seems almost a plea, a request that God helps the author to allow; God’s steadfast love become a comfort, mercy to be exciting, sinful people to become unattractive because they lie, growing relationships among other God-fearing people. Do these things echo your prayers? Are you more concerned about learning to be obedient and faithful to God than pleasing yourself and those who disregard Him? If you are not sure how to do this, then learn to understand and apply scripture to your life. Search God's Word so that you can learn what is right and wrong that you ‘may not be put to shame’. Plead with God to connect you well, to build your godly relationships and to reveal His way to you. 

Following the ancient ways

 Psalm 119:49–56(ESV): 

Zayin

 49  Remember your word to your servant, 

in which you have made me hope. 

 50  This is my comfort in my affliction, 

that your promise gives me life. 

 51  The insolent utterly deride me, 

but I do not turn away from your law. 

 52  When I think of your rules from of old, 

I take comfort, O Lord. 

 53  Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, 

who forsake your law. 

 54  Your statutes have been my songs 

in the house of my sojourning. 

 55  I remember your name in the night, O Lord, 

and keep your law. 

 56  This blessing has fallen to me, 

that I have kept your precepts. 

God’s Word contains ancient assurances that have stood the test of time, giving security and something dependable to trust in. No other rules or laws are that reliable. Acts are rewritten and updated, laws contested and changed throughout the world and throughout the ages. Yet there is one set of statutes that you can live by that have never been adjusted and that will never be changed. The Law of God has never altered. His commandments about loving Him and loving others, that Jesus also taught, finds it’s source in the Old Testament which was written thousands of years ago, and has never been updated or changed. You can still live by this guidance, it has been tried and tested through thousands of generations, all across the world. The wisest man that ever lived, Solomon recommended it, and no other regulations or rules can lead to life like it does. The Law of God has been followed across nations, cultures and generations, and has been shown to bring life, peace, comfort and strength to those who follow it. What other law does that?! 

How aggravating when people come against it, using persuasive words and delicious temptations to defile and devalue the Word of God (v53). They abandon God’s rules and forget the songs, and how inviting it can seem for you to do the same. To choose a different path of life, different songs to sing, different ‘new’ rules to follow. Yet, can these new influences and desires really bring comfort, strength, or joy? Is it not the ‘rules from of old’ that bring consistent comfort, security, hope and joy? The ancient way that has been tested through the generations, through thousands of years that has led to providing a hope and future for nations and millions of people, surely it makes sense to follow that way rather than anything temporal and untested?

Instead of being tempted to follow the ways of others, of bending with cultural norms, remember God’s Word. Do not allow the persuasive or inviting ways of others sway you, but stand firm with the Word of God that has remained steadfast since the beginning of time. Read, listen to and apply Scripture to your life as it has been giving people freedom and life from ancient days, and it can do the same for you. No other way will provide peace, comfort or joy like God’s Word does.

Psalm 119:56-64 (ESV): 

Heth

 57  The Lord is my portion; 

I promise to keep your words. 

 58  I entreat your favour with all my heart; 

be gracious to me according to your promise. 

 59  When I think on my ways, 

I turn my feet to your testimonies; 

 60  I hasten and do not delay 

to keep your commandments. 

 61  Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, 

I do not forget your law. 

 62  At midnight I rise to praise you, 

because of your righteous rules. 

 63  I am a companion of all who fear you, 

of those who keep your precepts. 

 64  The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; 

teach me your statutes! 

How committed are you to keeping God’s Word? Do you ‘think on my ways’, to ensure that you are heading in the right direction? This writer takes time to reflect on their behaviour and choices, and is honest enough to admit that they ‘turn my feet to your testimonies’. It is good to consider the direction you are going in often. Then it is as easy as changing the angle of your feet to re-align with God’s ways. Slightly adjusting your path to ensure that you don’t wander off-track and become far from God is easier than carrying on, and finding yourself lost with a lot of ground to cover. 

God’s Word is a marvellous guide, are you making sure you follow it, adjusting your direction as you go? Why not take a few moments to think upon your ways (v59). Consider - are your thoughts and your feet aligned to the path God wants you to tread? It is easy to get lost or take a wrong turn when you are not checking the directions, so grab hold of the Word of God and ask the Lord to lead you.

Why live God's way?

 Psalm 119:33–40 (ESV): 

He

 33  Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; 

and I will keep it to the end. 

 34  Give me understanding, that I may keep your law 

and observe it with my whole heart. 

 35  Lead me in the path of your commandments, 

for I delight in it. 

 36  Incline my heart to your testimonies, 

and not to selfish gain! 

 37  Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; 

and give me life in your ways. 

 38  Confirm to your servant your promise, 

that you may be feared. 

 39  Turn away the reproach that I dread, 

for your rules are good. 

 40  Behold, I long for your precepts; 

in your righteousness give me life! 

Allow God to teach you. Do not get distracted by the things of this world, but hold firm to the Word of God. Determine to see God’s commands as good, even when they are difficult. For He is a good parent, He gives boundaries and instructions so that you you can live a good, godly and healthy life. 

The rules of parents do not always make sense to their children, but when the children obey them, they grow well. When they do not, there is fear, anger, relationship breakdown and a life lived outside the safety of the family. Therefore, rather than trying to see what you can get away with, or ignoring some of the rules because they seem old, boring or not in line with cultural expectations, ask God to teach you. Remind yourself that God is the best parent, and that as His child you may not understand all that He expects of you. Then ask Him to ‘give me understanding that i may keep your law’ and ‘lead me in the path of your commandments, for i delight in it’. being happy learning about instructions is difficult to do! Yet, you can ask God for help, and through learning more about God and His character, you will see more clearly that He loves you and wants the best for you. The you can come to love His ways and His instructions. 

Following God can become joyful when you look at the big picture. God gives you promises (v38), He turns away reproach (v39), and He gives you life now and for eternity (v40). If these are the consequences of obedience to Him, surely it is worth it!

Psalm 119:40–48 (ESV): 

Waw

 41  Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, 

your salvation according to your promise; 

 42  then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, 

for I trust in your word. 

 43  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, 

for my hope is in your rules. 

 44  I will keep your law continually, 

forever and ever, 

 45  and I shall walk in a wide place, 

for I have sought your precepts. 

 46  I will also speak of your testimonies before kings 

and shall not be put to shame, 

 47  for I find my delight in your commandments, 

which I love. 

 48  I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, 

and I will meditate on your statutes. 

Reading the Bible shows you that you are loved. God’s testimonies, His rules, the history of His people - all of these can reveal to you the vastness, beauty and reality of God’s love for you. He has ensured that you can read and hear about His character, goodness, battles, care and power through His Word. He has made sure all of this is written down because He wants to reveal His love to you. God's love is not fickle or minute, but steadfast and everlasting. Therefore read the Bible and discover the love of God!

This revelation of how God loves you should fill you with such joy and passion that you determine to ‘keep your law continually’. Whether you are in ‘a wide place’, speaking ‘before kings’ or in front ‘of him who taunts me’, God loves you and is with you. Therefore you can courageously speak and stand on the truth, no matter where you are, or who you are with. 

Does the environment you are in, or the people you are with effect your behaviour and topics of conversation? Do you acknowledge and love God in every place and in front of every person? Your love and obedience to God should not be hidden or changeable. Instead, the love of God should be your guiding force in life, not the love of anything or anyone else. 

Desire to lead a life pleasing to Him and you will have love, joy and peace, even when before kings and enemies.

The Word of wondrous things

 Psalm 119:17–24(ESV): 

Gimel

 17  Deal bountifully with your servant, 

that I may live and keep your word. 

 18  Open my eyes, that I may behold 

wondrous things out of your law. 

 19  I am a sojourner on the earth; 

hide not your commandments from me! 

 20  My soul is consumed with longing 

for your rules at all times. 

 21  You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, 

who wander from your commandments. 

 22  Take away from me scorn and contempt, 

for I have kept your testimonies. 

 23  Even though princes sit plotting against me, 

your servant will meditate on your statutes. 

 24  Your testimonies are my delight; 

they are my counsellors. 

Does reading the Bible give you fresh revelation, comfort, wonder? Do you expect it to? 

This psalmist expects and desires to see ‘wondrous things’ when they read scripture. For The Word of God is precious and beautiful, and it can reveal new and incredible things when you study it. God’s word can inspire, strengthen, challenge, comfort and delight you. It can also build a sense of awe for who God is, and what He has done. If you struggle to see this, then pray, ‘open my eyes that i may behold wondrous things out of your law’. Who knows what new things you will notice, and what joy you will receive when you approach the Bible expecting and waiting for God to speak to you.

This wonderful Word of God that we have access to is written for you. It shows a life and a kingdom that is to come, and how to navigate this season where you are ‘a sojourner on the earth’. You were not created to belong here, but to be a citizen of God’s realm. So whilst you wait to join Him for eternity, read His Word so that you can live well here, in preparation for what is to come. Although this life may seem arduous and long at times, eternity is longer! So learn to live as a ‘sojourner’, a traveller, someone that is just passing through this place, as your eternal home is with God for eternity, not here on Earth. You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God, so you need to know how to live like one. Do not rely on anyone else to show you how to do it, whether they are good people, great people or influential people. Even princes and those in power don’t have it all figured out, nor do friends or coworkers, they are struggling to live beyond this life too. Instead allow God’s Word to counsel you, guard you and guide you. Ask God to make clear His words and instructions that you may live well in this temporary accommodation with respect and honour, whilst you await your eternal, permanent home. 

Psalm 119:25–32 (ESV)

Daleth

 25  My soul clings to the dust; 

give me life according to your word! 

 26  When I told of my ways, you answered me; 

teach me your statutes! 

 27  Make me understand the way of your precepts, 

and I will meditate on your wondrous works. 

 28  My soul melts away for sorrow; 

strengthen me according to your word! 

 29  Put false ways far from me 

and graciously teach me your law! 

 30  I have chosen the way of faithfulness; 

I set your rules before me. 

 31  I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; 

let me not be put to shame! 

 32  I will run in the way of your commandments 

when you enlarge my heart! 

‘when i told you of my ways, you answered me’. How beautiful to know that God is not distant or ignorant, but He leans in, listens, and answers! The fact that the writer has told God what he has done indicates that they have made mistakes (v26). They have got it wrong on their pursuit of living a life pleasing to God and confessed to Him their sin. God responded and their reply was ‘teach me your statutes’. What a wonderful response to getting it wrong! Instead of floundering in sin or being overcome with shame, this person approached God, was restored by Him and then desired greater understanding of Scripture. Through pondering on their ways, this person realised that the root cause of their error was that they did not know or understand of the Word of God. Therefore, the answer to avoid sin is to ask God to ‘make me understand the way of your precepts’. Sometimes you may not know why God says to do or not to do something, so ask God to help you understand and ask Him to reveal how to apply Scripture to your life. 

It is not easy, but being a faithful follower of God. It requires obedience and that you humble yourself before Him. Acknowledging that He does in fact know best, even when it is hard to understand, and your heart yearns for something else can be painfully difficult. Therefore, like the psalmist, ask God to enlarge your heart so that you feel the same as God does about sin and situations. God can guide you, help you and change your desires when you invite Him to. Turning away from sin and learning to ‘run in the way of your commandments’ is difficult when you try to do it on your own. However, you have the ear of the author of the Bible. So, you have the great privilege of being able to talk to Him, ask Him how to apply His Word to your life. He alone will save you from sin and can enlarge your heart to care for the things He does. He doesn’t want you to keep clinging to the dust in despair. You can trust in His love and faithfulness to rescue and restore you. His Word is full of wondrous things - are you seeing them?

What rules do you follow?

As we begin to study Psalm 119 a couple of paragraphs at a time, we will see how every section exemplifies the brilliance of Scripture. If you allow God’s Word to have influence in your life, even when it is difficult, then you will be blessed. How wonderful it is for displaying God, giving direction, confidence, and building faith. The Bible is precious and beautiful, for it contains the very words of God, so read it carefully and in reverence, for it has the power to change your life.

Psalm 119:1–8 (ESV): 

Aleph

119  Blessed are those whose way is blameless, 

who walk in the law of the Lord! 

 2  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, 

who seek him with their whole heart, 

 3  who also do no wrong, 

but walk in his ways! 

 4  You have commanded your precepts 

to be kept diligently. 

 5  Oh that my ways may be steadfast 

in keeping your statutes! 

 6  Then I shall not be put to shame, 

having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. 

 7  I will praise you with an upright heart, 

when I learn your righteous rules. 

 8  I will keep your statutes; 

do not utterly forsake me! 

What a great understanding this writer has of the beauty of the law of God. They honour and respect Scripture, but also acknowledge that they struggle to know and obey it! Has anything changed in the thousands of years that have passed since this was penned?! The Bible is both beautiful and terrifying, as us humans continue the struggle to understand and diligently apply the statutes of God to our lives.

The person who can live their life in complete obedience to the Word of God will be blessed, as they know not the shame and repentance sin brings, but instead the favour of God poured out upon them. Yet how difficult it is to live that righteous life, but do not give! Continue to strive for obedience, practice righteousness and keep asking God for forgiveness that He will not ‘utterly forsake’ you. I love the honesty of these words, and the hope that it brings. Although we go wrong, we have opportunity to try again. God is so kind to give us the opportunity and reminders to change, no wonder the writer says, 'I will praise you with an upright heart'. Do you praise God because of His commandments and statutes? Knowing the standards and instructions of God can lead to praise as you recognise how holy, good and glorious He is. God lives to a standard of love and purity that you cannot attain, yet he still gives you the opportunity to live a holier life. He welcomes and forgives you time and again. He knows that you try, and He loves it when you desire to live His way and not your own, for in your obedience you demonstrate your love to Him. Faithfulness to God is important to Him and it should be to you too, plus, for you, it leads to blessing. Therefore keep desiring to love the Word of God and obey it. It does you good; it leads you out of sin, shows you the way of righteousness and blessing, and reveals the love and might of God throughout. There is no other written word that is as powerful!

Psalm 119:9–16 (ESV): 

Beth

 9  How can a young man keep his way pure? 

By guarding it according to your word. 

 10  With my whole heart I seek you; 

let me not wander from your commandments! 

 11  I have stored up your word in my heart, 

that I might not sin against you. 

 12  Blessed are you, O Lord; 

teach me your statutes! 

 13  With my lips I declare 

all the rules of your mouth. 

 14  In the way of your testimonies I delight 

as much as in all riches. 

 15  I will meditate on your precepts 

and fix my eyes on your ways. 

 16  I will delight in your statutes; 

I will not forget your word. 

The temptations for the young seem especially hard, and every generation does have different types of challenges as technology and expectations of society change. Yet The Word of God never changes. Therefore in order to keep your way pure, prevent confusion and constant changing of ideals, invest in the Word of God. Scripture has remained good, noble and pure since it was created. Seeking God and ‘guarding’ your behaviour according to God’s Word is only one way to live a life of purity and constancy. 

Be diligent in your search and desire for righteousness, read, learn, understand and apply the Word of God that you may figure out how to live life well. Do not settle for the standards of others, or society, instead, seek the statutes of the Kingdom of God, fix your eyes on God and His direction. Do not allow your own wants, others ideas, or cultural dynamics dictate your desires and behaviours, but ask God alone to ‘teach me your statutes’. If you want to learn how to live life well, there is only One who will tell you the way. He has been instructing people for millennia how to live a blessed life. Others will tell you a multitude of ways and ideas which may seem attractive, but will lead ultimately to discontentment, confusion and heartache. Only God will show you the right way to live. You have been given the best guide to living a good, pure and holy life - the Bible. Read it and follow it. Then you will see how to live a satisfied life of purity, delight and blessing

Where do you look for love?

 Psalm 118:1–29 (ESV): 

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; 

for his steadfast love endures forever! 

 2  Let Israel say, 

“His steadfast love endures forever.” 

 3  Let the house of Aaron say, 

“His steadfast love endures forever.” 

 4  Let those who fear the Lord say, 

“His steadfast love endures forever.” 

 5  Out of my distress I called on the Lord; 

the Lord answered me and set me free. 

 6  The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. 

What can man do to me? 

 7  The Lord is on my side as my helper; 

I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. 

 8  It is better to take refuge in the Lord 

than to trust in man. 

 9  It is better to take refuge in the Lord 

than to trust in princes. 

 10  All nations surrounded me; 

in the name of the Lord I cut them off! 

 11  They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; 

in the name of the Lord I cut them off! 

 12  They surrounded me like bees; 

they went out like a fire among thorns; 

in the name of the Lord I cut them off! 

 13  I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, 

but the Lord helped me. 

 14  The Lord is my strength and my song; 

he has become my salvation. 

 15  Glad songs of salvation 

are in the tents of the righteous: 

  “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly, 

 16  the right hand of the Lord exalts, 

the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!” 

 17  I shall not die, but I shall live, 

and recount the deeds of the Lord. 

 18  The Lord has disciplined me severely, 

but he has not given me over to death. 

 19  Open to me the gates of righteousness, 

that I may enter through them 

and give thanks to the Lord. 

 20  This is the gate of the Lord; 

the righteous shall enter through it. 

 21  I thank you that you have answered me 

and have become my salvation. 

 22  The stone that the builders rejected 

has become the cornerstone. 

 23  This is the Lord’s doing; 

it is marvellous in our eyes. 

 24  This is the day that the Lord has made; 

let us rejoice and be glad in it. 

 25  Save us, we pray, O Lord! 

O Lord, we pray, give us success! 

 26  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 

We bless you from the house of the Lord. 

 27  The Lord is God, 

and he has made his light to shine upon us. 

 Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, 

up to the horns of the altar! 

 28  You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; 

you are my God; I will extol you. 

 29  Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; 

for his steadfast love endures forever! 

All people are invited to recognise the steadfast love of the Lord. All of those from the nation of Israel - the original chosen people of God. The ‘house of Aaron’ - those selected for religious service to God through their work. As well as anyone who fears the Lord - all who choose to believe in Him. All people, whether they feel set apart or not, whether they are ethnically Jewish or not, work in a church setting or not, everyone has the privilege of receiving and recognising the steadfast love of God. His love and faithfulness are available and accessible to all. Are you living knowing that you are surrounded and supported by the steadfast love of God?

Do not look anywhere else for love or salvation, for only those who look to God as their helper and companion (v5-6) are able to say, ‘The Lord is on my side. I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ In all circumstances, follow Him and trust Him. Then you have the assurance of His presence, power and love working for your good. God’s steadfast love never departs or fades, it outlives everything, every person, trial and success, His love will last for all eternity. It is steadfast, secure, strong, God’s love will never let you down. No wonder the psalmist says, ‘it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.’ God can be depended upon because He always was and He always is. 

You can trust Him in the battles of life because God is honest and loves justice. Therefore He will reveal truth and cause things to work out for the glory of His kingdom every time. So, keep calling out to God when you feel persecuted, surrounded, let down and alone. Remember how this psalmist kept going, even when they felt hard pressed and surrounded by enemies (v10-13). In those times they called out to God, they didn’t trust in any other way, any other scheme, any other person, they trusted in God, and they survived and were victorious! They lived to give honour to God for His miraculous deliverance. You can have a similar outcome when you hold firm to God. 

People will let you down, they will forget, go back on their word, change their allegiance, give up, get distracted and become too busy. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t care, just that they are not capable of providing the steadfast love and support you require. If you expect people to provide you comfort, salvation, strength and joy, you are looking for it in the wrong place. Only God can be your constant helper, protector, deliverer and refuge. He is your deliverer, protector, help, comforter, strength, Lord and saviour - are you looking to Him to for those things or elsewhere?