Evaluating Life By God’s Word (Yodh)
How do you evaluate what is happening in your life at this moment? How we evaluate our circumstances and how we respond to them, both emotionally volitionally, should be guided by the Scriptures. In Psalm 119:73-80, the psalmist evaluates his situation in light of the word of God.
The psalmist begins with a declaration that God is his Creator and has placed him in these particular circumstances (“made me”, “established me”). Based on these truths, he prays for continued divine understanding of God’s word (119:75). Brethren, this must be our prayer as well. To understand how to view and respond to our circumstances in a way that honours the Lord requires a knowledge of God’s word.
The psalmist continues with a prayer for other believers to be encouraged by his steadfastness in his trials (119:75-77). They will rejoice when they see how he hopes in the promises of the Scriptures (75). His hope is based on the nature of God. All of God’s actions are right; He is never wrong or arbitrary in His dealings with His people. He knows that he needs God’s mercy in his situation if he is going to endure (119:77). The psalmist knows that God loves His people and is greatly comforted by that fact (119:76). Brethren, God is faithful to His promises and will use affliction to produce godliness in your life (Jam 1:2-4). Yet, in the midst of every situation, God’s love and mercy are present.
The psalmist concludes with a prayer for himself and others to be strengthened for faithfulness (119:78-80). Even though unbelievers wrong him, the psalmist will turn to God’s word for comfort and answers (119:78). Other believers will be edified by his understanding, and he shall be blameless before the Lord in his actions (119:79-80).