Several key themes for the Christian life occur in this portion of the song’s lyrics.
First, the contrast between what happens to me and how my heart responds. “Princes persecute me without cause, BUT my heart stands in awe of your words” (161). “Great peace have those who love your law; NOTHING can make them stumble” (165). Inner tranquility or well-being – what the Hebrews called “Shalom” – during times of adversity is not just for stoics but rather for everyone whose heart “stands in awe of [God’s] words” (161b) and loves His law (165a). Verse 165 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. I have learned that circumstances don’t cause anxiety. Anxiety is a reaction I have to what my worldview tells me is a bad thing. Most of my emotions tend to be a reaction to an external stimulus. Fear arises from seeing a snake or hearing about a virus that’s killing people around the world & near my home. Even joy is a reaction to a stimulus of favorable circumstances or discovered truth, such as when the psalmist said, “I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil” (162). Verse 165 teaches me that when my heart loves God’s word, and I respond out of such love, then nothing can disturb the soul peace that God gives.
Second, the contrast between love for God’s law (Torah, instruction) & hatred and abhorrence of falsehood/lies (163). I can’t love God’s word and lie at the same time. Truth and error are like oil and water – they never mix.
Third, God’s word is worthy of continual praise. That’s how I understand “Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules” (164), seven being the number for perfection. I praise what I prize, such as when I praise a favorite restaurant. Three times the poet mentions loving God’s word (163, 165, 167). And he didn’t have a superficial love for it, for he says, “I love them exceedingly” (167b). Do I love God’s word that much? His obedience flowed from his love for God and his word as should mine.
Fourth, the connection between hope & action (166). “I HOPE for your salvation, O LORD, and I DO your commandments.” “I hope and I do” reminds me of the hymn “Trust and Obey,” “for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” This is similar to “I love” therefore “I keep” (167).
Fifth, the connection between obedience and living in the presence of God (168). There is a Latin phrase for this: “Coram Deo.” This phrase was popularized in Christian circles (especially Reformed circles) by R. C. Sproul. It reminds me that I live constantly in the presence of God, under his authority, and ultimately for his glory. Proverbs 15:3 tells me “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Truly, God’s “eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me,” because he cares about my well-being more than I do.
These themes highlight the great importance of saturating myself with God’s words, because I never know what might befall me today or any day. But I know God has some word for the occasion.
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