All authority– All nations– All things– Always.

“Let my cry come near before Thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to Thy word” (Psalm 119:169). You are now at the end of the longest song in the Bible, having heard the voice of this psalmist again and again cry out to God in intense fervor.  What would you expect to hear as … More A Spiritual Cord of Three Strands: A Meditation on Psalm 119:169-176

“Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of Thy word” (Psalm 119:161). If we hear of persecution, we should not assume that those persecuted have done something wrong. Unjust persecution by a government is a reality. In Muslim countries like Iran, and in communist countries like North Korea, Christians … More How to Endure Unjust Persecution: A Meditation on Psalm 119:161-168

“Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget Thy law” (Psalm 119:153). Life. The word itself speaks of all that is good, of all that makes existence worth having. Not all who exist truly live. Those in hell exist, but they endure endless punishment in what is called “the second death.” Not … More The Fight for Life: A Meditation on Psalm 119:153-160

“I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep Thy statutes” (Psalm 119:145). Are you frustrated with your prayer life?  Does it seem to be lacking in confidence, being more of a routine than a reality?  How blessed would it be to pray, “Hear my voice!” (v. 149), and then to … More Confidence through Continuance: A Meditation on Psalm 119:145-152

“Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments” (Psalm 119:137). In our culture, we Christians often feel small and insignificant, due to the relentless pace of relativism.  What was true and right yesterday is no longer true and right today; and what is true and right today for one person may not be … More Righteous God, Righteous Law: A Meditation on Psalm 119:137-144

“Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them” (Psalm 119:129). It is not uncommon for Christians today, especially older Christians, to bemoan the rebellion of our culture.  In its purest form, it is grief over the moral death of a nation, and is well expressed by the words that close out this stanza: … More From the Light of God’s Word to the Light of God’s Face: A Meditation on Psalm 119:129-136

“I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors” (Psalm 119:121). Oppression is the abuse of authority in trampling those underneath.  According to the apostle Peter, oppression often occurs within slavery, whenever slaves under a harsh master “endure grief, suffering wrongfully” (1 Peter 2:19).  Broadening this principle, oppression occurs whenever lawful authority … More Help for the Oppressed: A Meditation on Psalm 119:121-128

“I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love” (Psalm 119:113). Literally, this stanza begins: “Branched ones, I hate; but Your law, I love.”  In other words, I hate those who cannot make up their mind about You, O God, whether You are good enough and wise enough to obey or not; but as … More Strong Protection through Strong Affections: A Meditation on Psalm 119:113-120