Do you ever feel that life is unfair? That no matter how hard you try to do the right thing, the bad guys keep winning? David found that people worked against him even when he was doing right. It makes me angry when that happens! David felt the same way.
It’s obvious that David vented his frustrations and emotions through the outlet of verse and song. In this section of Psalm 119, he begins each line with the 7th letter in the Hebrew alphabet, which sounds like our “z”
Zayin
Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
David reminds God of His own words and promises.
The arrogant mock me without restraint,
but I do not turn from your law.
I remember your ancient laws, O LORD,
and I find comfort in them.
Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law.
David sees evil flourish unchecked. Don’t you just hate that? It seems so unfair. However, David makes a promise to the One Who promised him:
Your decrees are the theme of my song
wherever I lodge.
In the night I remember your name, O LORD,
and I will keep your law.
This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts.
Psalm 119:49-56
I can be comforted, when things aren’t going as well as I would choose, by remembering everything that God promises me. Like this one:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.
In all things. In ALL things. In all things God works for my good. Is life unfair sometimes? Does it seem that evil has no realtime punishment? Does it appear that my right doing has no “now” blessing in return? Surely. And just as surely- these are not my problem. I have only two relevant questions: Do I love Him? Will I promise Him like David did?
Jesus, just like David, I want to walk and work within Your will for me, free or captive, day or night, easy or hard, no matter what. This is my practice, my habit, my promise.
shared 6/12/10.