Focus

Is it Friday already?  This week has gone by very quickly for me.  I wonder if it has for you as well.  We're going to finish out our week together in the lamedh stanza of Psalm 119.  Begin today by reading that stanza, Psalm 119:89-96, and noting every synonym for the Word of God.  What do you learn from this stanza about God's Word?  What do you learn about God? Also think about this.....how does this stanza differ from the previous stanza in tone or mood?

You may remember that we talked about the psalmist's attitude in the previous verses (the kaph stanza).  There was a sense of desperation or depression as he wrote of his affliction.  Do you see that in this stanza?  Or would you agree with me that the tone of this stanza is more hopeful?  Why do think that is?  Could it be because the focus is less on the circumstances (the affliction) and more on the Lord and His faithfulness? What verses would you use to support your answer?

Here's something else to think about......what does this stanza teach us about the stability and the duration of God and His Word?  How long will it last?  What difference does that make to the psalmist?  What difference does it make to you?  How can you apply the truths of this stanza in your own life?

There are a couple of curious phrases in these two stanzas (kaph and lamedh).  Look first at verse 83....a wineskin in the smoke.  What in the world does that mean?  This is one of those times when understanding the culture in which the psalmist lived and wrote helps us to understand the imagery he uses.  This might help (from The Manners and Customs of the Bible)...."Bottles made of animal skin were often hung in tents and other places where they were subject to the deteriorating action of smoke from cook and camp fires.....When skin bottles were exposed to smoke, they became black, hard, and shriveled - good for nothing."  So, what is the psalmist saying when he compares himself to a useless wine bottle?  It seems that he is saying that even though he is in the middle of some really difficult circumstances, even though he has been "persecuted with a lie", even as he waits for God's comfort, even though he feels useless, even then he remembers God's Word and knows that God can revive him through His Word.  What a great example for us in the middle of whatever our circumstances may be!

Another phrase that strikes me as a bit curious is in verse 96, "I have seen a limit to all perfection."  What does that mean?  This may make perfect sense to you, but it leaves me scratching my head a bit.  Isn't perfection perfect?  Does it have limitations?  I've done some word study and I read the verse in several other translations and I like these two renderings best for trying to get a sense of what this means.  "I have learnt that everything has limits; but your commandment is perfect." (GNT)  And my favorite....."Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit." (NLT)  Even what we as finite humans understand to be perfection has its limits, but our Perfect God and His Word have no limits!  That's an awesome thought to end the week on, isn't it?

As we close out our week together, is there a single verse or a single concept that has really "grabbed" you this week?  As you think about the circumstances of your life right now, or about the political and economic climate in our country, or the spiritual condition of our country.......is there something in what we've studied this week that you can hold on to, that brings you comfort, even as we cry out as the psalmist did, "when", or "how long", or "help me!"  Why not talk to God about that right now?

"Forver, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.  Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations.  You established the earth, and it stands.  They stand this day according to Your ordinances, for all things are Your servants."  (Psalm 119:89-91)