The Word in Adversity (Psalm 119:17-24)

 

17. Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. 18. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law.  19. I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands.  Don't hide them from me!  20. I am overwhelmed continually with a desire for your laws.  21. You rebuke those cursed proud ones who wander from your commands. 22. Don't let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your decrees. 23. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your principles.  24. Your decrees please me; they give me wise advice. (Psalm 119;17-24)

1) We live as foreigners (v.17-19)

Clearly, David is asking, "send some backup , Lord!"

More specifically, I need some encouragement, Yes, my eyes need to be open and I need guidance in this land which is not my own, the earth.  Obviously, there is nothing wrong in asking God for some encouragement or some goodness to come your way and that is exactly what he is doing.  It helps us obey his word.  We should not assume anything.  Presently, we live in a world ruled by Satan and so we need to have our eyes opened because in our natural strength we can't see what God has for us.  "Don't hide them from me", this wraps up what he is asking in these three verses.

2) An unquenched desire (v.20)

In the middle of this paragraph, we see it! What will keep David up mostly in the midst of adversities is that overwhelming desire for God's laws, for God's Word.

3) The final draw (v.21-24)

God deals with our enemies.  He rebukes them because they are the ones who have wandered from the laws.  We need protection and so we ask it, "Don't let them scorn and insult me..."  In the midst of his persecution he can meditate on his words.  He is in love with the word, can you tell? His decrees please him and give him wise advice.  Don't forget the advice of God and go to him first, not man.  He still speaks today!