Life Lived in Accord with God’s Word

The psalmist ends this great acrostic psalm directing his sole attention upon his God. He knows that after all is said, what he desperately needs above all is God Himself. This stanza is a series of prayers with the psalmist crying out to God for Grace, Praise, Help, and Care.

The psalmist begins with a cry for God’s grace (169-170). The psalmist begins by asking God for understanding from His word so that he would be able to think rightly about the circumstances of life (169). He then asks God for His favour in saving him as God has promised His people in His word (170). In both of these prayers he acknowledges that understanding and assurance of salvation come from God’s word.

The psalmist continues with a prayer asking God for praise (171-172). By praying this way he is asking God to give him more reasons to praise His name. The psalmist cannot help but be moved to song by the Lord’s provision of His righteous word to teach him His nature and ways.

Next, the psalmist asks God for help (173-175). The psalmist is asking God to do what he cannot do himself. He has chosen God’s word to guide his life, and depends totally the help that God provides. He longs for God’s salvation promised in God’s word (174). He knows God helps His people continually through His word (175).

Finally, the psalmist asks for God’s care as his Shepherd (176). He confesses that even though he knows the right way he still struggles with sin. By asking for God to seek him he is speaking of a closeness with God that comes only through continual fellowship. Even though his obedience is not perfect his loyalty to God is unchanging.

From The Pastor