Reading: Psalm 119
ש Sin and Shin
(Verses 161-168)
Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word.
I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil.
I hate and detest falsehood
but I love your law.
Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.
Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
I wait for your salvation, LORD,
and I follow your commands.
I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly.
I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you (NIV).*
Chaudiere Falls and dam, Ottawa, ON — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
We live in troubled times—times of global pandemic, and domestic and foreign conflict. Turmoil abounds. If you follow world events, it seems we are sitting on a ticking time bomb. Problems and conflicts abound, and those conflicts spill across borders as people desperately seek a better life.
Into this world of uncertainty, the psalmist speaks these words. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
If we are looking for peace in this world, we are sure to be disappointed. The ways of the world lead directly to conflict, as human greed and pride compete for dominance. This should not surprise us since the world and the systems of the world are controlled by our adversary, the prince of darkness.
Again the psalmist reminds us. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
Our peace is not found in the world; it is found in loving your law, which is the word of God. The good news is that this word of God did not simply remain as pages in a book. It became flesh to live with us. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Furthermore, Jesus, the living word, gives us this promise, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
Response: Father God, grant me your peace. Now by faith I receive the promise of your everlasting peace. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Thank you, Lord Jesus. My sins are forgiven. Amen.
Your Turn: What brings you peace? Do you need the peace of Christ?
* New International Version, Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica
Volume II of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer by award-winning author David Kitz is available now. For a closer look at Volumes I and II click here.
I love the Psalms 
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Good Morning.
There are all kinds of blogs, how did you decide to focus on Psalms?
My blog is kind of all over the place & sometimes I wonder if I need to redefine my focus.
I had already written a book on the Psalms when I started blogging. I was inconsistent with my posts for the first year or two but then simply decided to narrow my focus to the Psalms and gradually make my way through them. I found it helpful to have a consistent word-based topic and maintain a consistent length.
Thank you. This is very helpful.
3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. – Isaiah 26:3
The peace that Jesus gives us is the only peace that last in the middle of and through the storm and bring us out to a place of abundance.
So true, Wally. Isaiah 26:3 is a great addition to this post.