Monday 20th January
Read Psalm 119:73-80
“Yodh
73 Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.” (NIVUK)
Travelling companions encourage and are encouraged. v73-80.
The flow of ideas to this stanza are not clear as we jump from finding treasure to a recognition of God as creator and consequently the one who gives understanding of His word and character (may be that is the treasure?). The psalmist asks that his understanding is put to good use and that his travelling companions (those who fear God) can rejoice in the impact of that understanding on the psalmist’s life and in the evidence of the hope that he sees at journey’s end. He also asks, while on the present hard road (affliction), that he will constantly remember that his ‘travel director’ is right (righteous) and faithful and His love will always be reflected in best outcomes in the long term; he affirms that it is his experience, God always keeps his promises. In short, God’s compassionate directing will make life fulfilled and a delight. But the psalmist ponders, I know God is compassionate, but it still seems that arrogance and injustice (without cause) somehow interfere with my journey and when this happens, I need to respond by listening carefully (meditate) to instructions provided for what to do next. If I do that, then God will help me to encourage my travelling companions by being whole-hearted in my response and picking the right path (following). If I am a whole-hearted listener, then because of God’s goodness and compassion, I will not choose the wrong path (be put to shame).
Geoff Hinch
