From Petition To Praise
Introduction
As we near the close of Ps.119 it is very clear that God’s Word has done its work in his heart. Note the single overview of this passage. The Bible brings the Psalmist total wonder at its truth. He begins to see it as a great treasure containing God’s righteous judgments. He is finding that the more he loves His Word, the more it brings great peace. As the day of his future hope draws near, all of his ways are acknowledged as being seen clearly by his Lord. His heart finds nothing to ask for, but only praise to give.
I. His Radiation 161-163
His radiation is seen in the following.
A. His Decision 161
His decision based on his perspective.
1. His Adversary is Unchanged 161a
“Princes have persecuted me without a cause” – the ruler desired to rob him of his great treasure, however, once again the Psalmist learned that when we fear God, we need not fear anyone else.
Jesus teaches the “Fear of God”
Matt 10:27-31 "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Let goods and kindred go. This mortal life also; The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His Kingdom is forever. Martin Luther
Key phrase in Ps. 119: 169 “without a cause” His conscience is clear; it is devoid of offense.
2. His Attitude Is Changed 161b
“awe” – dread or tremble, because of the great and mighty God who speaks it.
The absolute demands it makes of us. The Day of Judgment to which it points.
2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Since the Psalmist is in “awe” of God, he is in “awe” of no one else. What freedom His demands bring!
B. His Discovery 162
His respect for the Word led to rejoicing in the Word. “finds a great treasure” – the promises of God in the Bible are better than money in the bank, because they will never lose their value, and nobody can take them from you.
The language is that of a soldier returning from the battle with great spoils (treasures).
B. His Discerning 163
Note the contrasts.
hate/love lying/law
Ps 97:10a You who love the LORD, hate evil!
Ps 119:113 I hate the double-minded, But I love Your law.
Ps 119:128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.
The liars are still there, but they do not rule the heart. His joy does not lie primarily in the immediate rewards but in the heartfelt love for God’s instruction.
II. His Magnification 164-165
“Seven times a day I praise You.” – Poetic way of saying “all day long” – constantly.
A. His Preoccupation 164
When I see the overruling way in which the Lord moves in the everyday affairs of our lives, I can’t help but praise Him. Seven also speaks of perfect praise; beyond what is expected.
He would greet the Lord first thing in the morning; soon as he awoke. Bow to Him at breakfast.
Praise Him in his mid-morning.
Thank Him at lunch.
Afternoon full of praise.
Dinner time of thanksgiving.
Off to bed and before closing his eyes, praise Him.
B. His Peace 165
Inner peace overflowing into praise is the product of love for the Word. It dispels all of the offenses that cause stumbling blocks in the pathway of life. The text reminds us that prayer and praise can bring peace into our lives.
Phil 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
“Great peace have those who love Your law.” One the world cannot give or take away. It is a peace that does not depend on what happens.
1 John 2:10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
“nothing causes them to stumble.” Nothing shall offend them. Though surrounded by the adversity, he is confident of God’s loving care and His promises that he will not stumble.
Jude 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless. Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
III. His Anticipation 166-168
A. See His Obedience 166
Obedience to God’s revelation proceeds from a heart committed to the Lord and His Word. This verse speaks of a practice of godliness. As a result, he has “hope for your salvation.” This speaks of a Bright Prospect. This gives the Psalmist a good conscience.
1. No Need To Be Ashamed At His Coming
2. No Alarm Over The Judgment Seat
He is walking with the Lord and waiting on the Lord. This is his Blessed Hope. Since this is future, it refers to the final salvation of the end.
Heb 6:17-20 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
1 Peter 1:9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.
Heb 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
B. See His Occupation 167
It is with the Word. Psalmist keeps God’s law out of love. He is ruled by love, not law. John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments.
We note the superlative, “exceedingly.” Throughout the Bible we see such superlatives as abundantly, greatly, willingly, gloriously, etc. In the O.T., God’s will was largely a matter of law; in the
N.T. it is largely a matter of love.
Loving and keeping are wedded together by Him.
C. See His Observation 168
Ps 38:9
Lord, all my desire is before You;
And my sighing is not hidden from You.
Heb 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
God sees him and knows his walk and the way in which he goes. “All my ways are before You.”
He is the unseen guest at every meal.
He is the silent listener to every conversation.
He sits with me in my office.
He rides with me in my car.
He knows my thoughts.
He knows the intent of my heart.
Ps 139:7-10
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
Job 34:21 For His eyes are on the ways of man, And He sees all his steps.
Prov 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, And He ponders all his paths.
Jer 23:24 Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?" says the Lord; "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" says the Lord.
Comforts me to know He sees me. Challenges me to know He sees me.