Psalm 119 – Part 16

PSALM 119:121-128

(Aa)

121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act, for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.
Psalm 119:121-128, ESV

Life isn’t always full of roses, is it? Even the roses have thorns! The Psalmist shares today that even when he’s done what is right and just, oppressors were close by. The arrogant taunted his faith and love for God. Those who sought to defraud him or deceive him were constantly around him, harassing him; and that’s the meaning of oppressors and arrogant  in this verse. Yet in spite of the opposition, the Psalmist continually came back to the Word, seeking the fulfillment of God’s righteous promises and His salvation.

He was pressed on every side, yet not destroyed. He continued to look for God’s deliverance, protection, and salvation which he knew was his deliverance, health, and help. God had never failed him, even when he was in the middle of various circumstances and didn’t see any resolution to his situation.

He disliked those around him not following the Lord’s Word because he saw the result of their actions, but he knew the joy of God’s Word, the life of God’s Word, and the power of God’s Word in his personal life. He wanted others to see that and live by it as well. No matter if he were in the throes of dilemmas, he continued seeking the Lord, asking for understanding—discernment—to comprehend what the Lord was doing in his midst. He was confident that God would deal with him according to His Love and His Mercy (God’s favor, His kindness).

If you’re struggling today with situations where you are oppressed, draw on the power of God’s Word as the Psalmist did:

• Isaiah 54:14:  “You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God’s will and order): you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear…” (Amplified)
  
  
• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9:  “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;  persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (NIV)