The Comfort of God’s Word
There is no denying that at times life is hard. Like the psalmist here in 119:49-56, we shall face various afflictions and even persecution. Our natural response to these external pressures is discontentment, unhappiness, anxiety, and even despair. Rather than becoming unhappy and discontented, the psalmist finds comfort in God’s word.
The psalmist begins in prayer asking God to remember His promises made to His people in His word (119:49). It is in the promises of God that he finds his hope. In God’s word he finds great comfort in the midst of his afflictions (119:50). Though arrogant people mock and slander him, he remains faithful to God (119:51), and finds comfort in the unchanging Scriptures (119:52). His righteous anger burns at the evil around him. The world forsakes the law of God and dishonours His name (119:53).
In the midst of these circumstances he finds great joy in the word of God. He reminds himself of God’s truth as he sings to himself. He understands that the life of the believer is a sojourn, a temporary pilgrimage, a brief journey that ends in the presence of God forever (119:54). He remembers the character of God at night, when no one can see him, and keeps God’s commandments (119:55). He has internalised God’s word and made them his own. His life is a life of integrity that is consistent before the Lord (119:55-56).
Brethren, the psalmist gives us a wonderful example of faithfulness to the Lord in the midst of afflictions and evil doers. Do not be filled with fear and discontent when times are tough. Trust in the promises of Jesus Christ to His people and know that He will fulfill His word. Take comfort and joy in God’s unchanging word.