“Overcoming All Affliction.”
“If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Psalm 119:92
We don’t often hear of a man delighting in the law. Investigating into the intricacies of a code of law would be considered a chore by most rather than a pleasure.
But the law of God is different. The psalmist here delights in the word of God, derives great pleasure from investigating what God has commanded, so much so that the joy resulting has saved him from perishing in his affliction. Mixed with the praise for the word of God through the 176 verses that make Psalm 119 the longest chapter in the Bible, the psalmist also laments.
Psalm 119:25
“My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to Your word.”
Psalm 119:28
“My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word.”
One wonders what trials the psalmist faces. A short survey of the troubles he faced tells us much:
Psalm 119:23
“Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on Your statutes.”
Psalm 119:53
“Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.”
Psalm 119:69
“The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I delight in Your law.”
Psalm 119:85
“The insolent have dug pits for me, they do not live according to Your law.”
Psalm 119:86
“They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken Your precepts.”
The insolent, wicked, and powerful (princes from vs. 23) enemies of the psalmist are plotting, setting traps, smearing him with lies, and forsaking the law of God. Amidst their attacks, he has committed himself to keep the word of God and finds comfort in doing so.
Whether you are dealing with human enemies or not, we all face an offensive from an invisible and powerful threat. COVID-19 has thrown our lives upside down, halted economies, and day by day ends more life. In the face of such an enemy, we are powerless to stop, what are we to do? How are we to avoid spiritually and mentally “perishing in our affliction”?
The same antidote that saved the psalmist thousands of years ago can save us too.
Delight in the word of God (Psalm 119:103).
Delight in the investigation of the riches and wisdom the Almighty God has given you for life and godliness (Proverbs 2:1-6; 2 Peter 1:2-3).
Think upon His commandments and praise Him for His righteousness (Psalm 119:129;137).
Meditate upon the goodness of your God and His promise to work out all things for your good (Psalm 119:12; Romans 8:28).
Thank Him for the salvation He has given, and magnify Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (1 Peter 1:3-5; Deuteronomy 6:5).
Delight on these and all the promises, commands, and realities of God waiting for us in the scriptures. And so find a joy that endures and overcomes all affliction.