Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
It is time for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.
Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
(ESV)
—Psalm 119:121-136
by: Jasmine Lynch.
At first, the Psalmist saw himself doing justice and righteousness and pleaded to God for protection from his oppressor. Then He pleaded for God’s mercy and understanding to know His testimonies. He felt it was time for God to act against those who “have regarded Your law as void” (v.126, NKJV). Sometimes it seems like God is slow to act against wickedness. Like the Psalmist, we cry out for Him to act. We see the light that His words sheds on His laws and how wonderful it is to keep them. Yet men do not keep His laws. We need to pray that iniquity will have no dominion over us.
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