It would do us all well to learn from the words of Psalm 119.
In it, the writer—likely King David—contends with various troubles we can relate to:
- Oppression from the wicked
- Hostility for righteousness
- Distress and affliction
- Feeling insignificant and small
- Longing for deliverance
- Weariness while waiting for God’s help
- Confusion and a need for guidance
What’s noteworthy about this psalm is how the psalmist relies on God’s law and commands for strength, guidance, and comfort.
Consider these expressions:
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” (verse 1).
“I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules” (verse 7).
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (verse 18).
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me” (verse 30).
“Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart” (verse 34).
“Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight” (verse 77).
“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble” (verse 165).
These affirmations may seem unusual to the modern Christian.
We’re not used to giving such favorable attention to God’s law.
In fact, many of us have developed a certain discomfort around it, assuming that praise of God’s commands, statutes, and testimonies is legalistic and contrary to the grace of the gospel.
But God’s law remains a blessing to His people—and to the world.
It serves as a restraint against evil.
It reveals our need for Christ.
And it remains an enduring standard of what is good, right, and pleasing to God.
Jesus understood this well when He said:
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).
So let us take a lesson from the psalmist.
In our times of distress, longing, and confusion, let us return to a faithful regard for God’s law—for our own good and for the advancement of His kingdom.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Ps.19:7).
