In tonight's section of the psalm we are reminded of the practical benefits available to us through the Word of God. Throughout the psalm we have looked at various principles. As we draw near to the close of this psalm, the writer is bringing us to a kind of summary to the entire message of the book.
Tonight we want to consider three thoughts:
I. The Proper Attitude v161
A. In the wake of unjust persecution.
1. It is easy for us to lose sight of God's plan and purpose for us when we are facing persecution.
2. Perhaps even more so when that persecution is perceived to be unjust.
3. We begin to feel sorry for ourselves, or we become upset with God for allowing the problems into our life.
B. Consider God and His Word.
1. However our focus should be upon God and His Word.
2. The psalmist tells us that he was in 'awe' of God's Word.
3. 'Awe' = in fear, literally to be startled by something, like an alarm. Ex. Fire drills
4. What would cause him to respond in such a manner?
5. Perhaps it was the realization that God will have a day of reckoning…a day of judgment…where all men will stand before Him and give an account.
6. Note: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-10
7. What comes to mind when we consider the ultimate fate of the unbeliever?
C. God is an awesome God…and His Word is awesome!
II. The Psalmist's Action v162-164
A. He discovered hidden treasure.
1. He rejoiced in the Word of God in the same way that one would rejoice over unexpected blessings.
2. What do we want to do when we have good fortune?
3. We usually want to tell others about it.
4. Have we found a special blessing in the Word of God!
5. Are we rejoicing in it? Are we telling others about it?
B. He detested the lie.
1. Nothing will quite reveal the nature of a lie, like the truth.
2. Ex. Young lady when she saw the truth of God's Word for the first time.
3. The psalmist knew the truth, and so he detested lying.
4. I certainly grow weary at the abundance of lies that continue to go forth under the guise of enlightenment and education.
5. It seems that if you believe the Bible you are considered to be mentally deficient.
6. That attitude seems to have become more and more widely accepted over the years.
7. The psalmist abhorred lying, but he loved the truth of the Word of God.
C. He decided to praise.
1. What are we to do in the world in which we live?
2. Should we take up arms against the government? March in the streets? Go off and live in the woods?
3. The psalmist decided to do something positive and constructive.
4. He said, "Seven times a day, do I praise thee…"
5. Seven is the number of completion.
6. He was indicating that he would praise God continually.
7. Others might devote themselves to the lie, but he would acknowledge and praise God for the truth!
8. David said, "…I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Cf Ps. 37:1b
9. Shall we curse the darkness or light a candle?
(Heb 13:15) "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."
III. The Peace That Amazes v165-168
A. Great peace comes to those who love the Word.
1. Are you looking for peace?
2. Love the Word of God.
3. This is a 'peace that passeth understanding'.
4. This is a peace that can only come from God.
5. This is a peace that removes the stumbling blocks or the offences.
B. Great peace comes to those who trust in the Word.
1. The psalmist says, "…I have hoped for thy salvation…"
2. This hope is a confident expectation based on the character of God.
3. Not a maybe so or maybe not.
4. The song writer put it this way:
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness … On Christ the solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand.
5. There is great peace to those who confidently place hope in the promises of God.
C. Great peace comes to those who obey the Word.
1. He declares that he has kept the Word.
2. But it is not simply an empty declaration, he calls on God to give witness to it.
3. "…For all my ways are before thee."
4. Think of that tonight…all our ways are before Him.
5. God sees and knows all, not just what we want Him to see, but all.
6. He knows whether we keep His Word or not…we may fool others, but we cannot fool God!
Are we troubled this evening? Are we stressed out over our jobs, our relationships, or our circumstances? Great peace is available to us tonight. If we will love God's Word; if we will trust God's Word; if we will obey God's Word.
Let God's Word make the difference in your life tonight.