The power of the Word of God Trying to understand the word of God and apply it in life situations is beyond our finite minds and our limited ability. We need the guidance of the divine Teacher to give us the understanding we need to claim the power of the word of God and apply it. Nine times in this psalm, the writer asks the Lord to teach him, and seven times to give him an understanding of what he has learned. In that way, we can learn to observe and keep the law of God as it is intended.
Spiritual values originate from God’s law, and like the psalmist, we understand that holiness and covetousness cannot be combined. Yet in us and in him, a fear of man challenges our obedience to the Lord. People who mock believers because of their commitment to the word of God and their unwillingness to compromise truth in order to be accepted by the majority or to avoid embarrassment will not stop trying to silence those who desire to walk with God. An unspoken condemnation of an ungodly life is evident in the lives of those who walk by faith.
The psalmist was very aware of his need for holiness, which can only happen when God's word is in one’s heart. Divine guidance is accessible to us at all times. When our hearts are “inclined” to the testimonies of the Lord instead of pursuing success in the world, we will be firmly rooted in our Lord's ways and able to live holy, righteous, and godly lives in a dark age.
It takes courage to stand out for the Lord in public when decisions are being made. Most people wait to see what most others want, and then they will “go along with” whatever appeals to most. In the psalm stanza that begins with “Let Thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord,” there is a plea for help to speak out for God even before those in authority. We rely on God for strength and courage in every situation, but some are more stressful than others. To stand before “kings and those in authority,” we need both protection and compassion. They are often as spiritually dark as anyone else.
We depend on God’s word for answers to our prayers for faith and strength to serve Him without fearing man. There truly is victory through God's word. Our freedom in Christ makes us “free indeed” by faith; we can speak out for our Lord regardless of whom we speak to. When we reach the point in our Christian walk where we understand the scriptures in the Bible are God's words spoken directly to us, we find the satisfaction and joy of communion with Him. It is then that the power, reach, and riches of God’s word become our delight.
“Remember the word unto Thy servant,” begins the section of this psalm that makes the word of God the source of our comfort. Many believers find great comfort in reading the scriptures regularly. It is then ready in their minds for times of difficulty and suffering as well as victory and service. God’s word guides and comforts us in whatever circumstances we face.
People who have faith in Christ can expect to be mocked and scorned by unbelievers who have no interest in divine things. Others act arrogantly and deliberately ignore the truth because believing the word of God would seriously disrupt their way of life. With the Lord's help, we will stay true to the divine, unchanging principles of truth despite what others may say or do. Our Lord Jesus was accused and dishonored, but He never turned away from doing the will of His Father.
Sometimes, at night, when we are not sleeping for one reason or another, what we meditate on—even when we are not actually reading the Bible—gives us insight and a desire to learn more about the blessings of obedience. How thankful we are for such important and truly special times!
In verses 57-64, the writer indicates that he appreciates the value of the word of God. He clearly states, “I have said I would keep Thy words.” That resolve is found in those who have been faithful to God and appreciate that He has been loyal to them. The words: “My portion… my whole heart… my ways… my feet, tell us that the whole person rises “to give thanks” unto God in gratitude. “My portion” is what God gives us as the unique treasure in our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. That blessing is beyond comparison. He is all we need. More than food, more than success, more than anything else is what we find in God’s word.
Even under pressure from those who conspire against us, it is the guidance and protection that God’s word provides us. When we come across other believers worldwide, we find that those with the same commitment to the Bible are in the minority. Believers need the fellowship of other believers who look at the Word of God with complete confidence and take its truth to be unchanging for everyone, in every place. How wonderful it is to know the whole earth “is full of Thy mercy.” That knowledge will help us resolve to be faithful to our Lord and His holy word.