Scripture
Vs 50 “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”
Vs 52 “ When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord.”
Vs 58 “ I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”
Be 67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.”
Vs 71 “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”
Vs 75 “I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.”
Vs 76 “Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.”
Observation
This whole psalm is inundated with thoughts on God’s word.
But this section has an emphasis on “comfort” versus “affliction”.
And while these may seem opposite in life, for the psalmist these two opposites states of being (comfortable & afflicted) have the same effect …
Drawing closer to God!
In fact, it is because of the psalmist’s deep knowledge of the Word of God that he can remarkably be comfortable “in” his afflictions! (Vs 50)
Why? Because the very life that the psalmist has is due to the promises of God. (Vs 50)
What’s more is that the psalmist’s affection and knowledge of God’s Word is so deep, that he knows his afflictions may be actually the result of God’s goodness and faithfulness! (Vs 75)
Application
So, then ….
How am I to respond to “comfort”?
Run closer to God!!
How am I supposed to respond to affliction?
Run closer to God!!
In other words, regardless of the circumstances in my life …
Run closer to God!!
This is the life of the psalmist.
Is it the life of me?
How can the psalmist be like this?
Because of his deep knowledge of the Word of God.
The psalmist knows that the more he grasps the Word of God, the more he grasps God, Himself.
And this is not a neutral act of mental discipline.
With the deepening understanding of God’s Word comes a deeper knowing of God, Himself!
And with deeper relationship with God, the result is that I will run toward Him … not away from Him!
It was this was for the psalmist.
May it be that way for me, too!
Prayer
Thank you, again, God, for you word.
This psalm is such a reminder of the all around beauty in it.
Remind me of it.
Always.
Help me understand it at a depth that I run to you.
Im Jesus name,
Amen