In the third stanza of Psalm 119, we saw the psalmist feeling rejected and alienated. He continues that description in the fourth stanza, but provides a positive outlook at the same time. You can see the first half of this stanza in Psalm 119:25-28:

In the latter half of the last strophe, the psalmist described the alienation he felt due to his solid commitment to God’s Word. In the first half of Daleth, the fourth stanza, he gives two more results of the world’s hatred: humiliation and sorrow.

In verse 25, the writer states that he has been “laid low in the dust” because of his commitment to God and his precepts. The Hebrew word here is closely associated with the concept of “cleaving,” meaning he feels so low that he has bonded intimately with the dust he lies in. That feels pretty low, and permanent.

In verse 28, he states that his “soul is weary with sorrow.” There are a lot of good reasons for sorrow, but here, the writer seems to connect it to the rejection, alienation and humiliation that has been directed at him due to his commitment to God.

Seems kind of bleak, doesn’t it?

Even so, the writer of this Psalm knows where to direct his thoughts and his hopes. Back in verse 18, he asks for God to open his eyes, so that he could see wonderful things in God’s laws. That is not an arbitrary, poetical question. The psalmist knows exactly what he needs. He needs God’s help to find the hope and strength he knows is waiting somewhere in God’s Word. He needs the refuge that can only come from entrusting himself to God’s care.

That’s what we see in this strophe as well. We see hope. And it comes in the form of a Word.

In verse 25, the psalmist seeks preservation according to God’s Word. He knows that the only salvation that matters is in God’s hands.

In verse 26, as he reflects upon his actions, he asks yet again for God to teach him his decrees. This is the same request he made in verse 12, and the psalmist knows that he is not wrong in requesting it again. We need the instruction of the Lord, through his Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, or we cannot achieve anything of value in our lives.

In verse 27, the writer seems to repeat his request again, but it’s not quite the same. This time, he wants understanding so that he can comprehend the wonders of God. This implies a deeper, more profound understanding of God, of his character, of his nature, of his ways, and of his Word.

Finally then, in verse 28, he seeks strength, that strength that can only come from God’s Word.

And with this, he turns a corner in his thinking it seems. From here, his focus is less on those that are against him and more focused upon the One who is for him.

That’s a good perspective for us all to keep.

Question: How do you need to draw strength from God’s Word right now? What is happening in your life where you need to rely upon him? You can leave a comment by clicking here.