The tenth stanza of Psalm 119 contains some interesting insights into the nature of suffering and affliction. We began to see in the first half where such things come from. In this passage, we continue that thought. Take a look at this passage in Psalm 119:77-80:

This stanza is the tenth part of Psalm 119, and focuses on the source of our suffering and affliction. The psalmist expresses his desire to learn from such times, and specifically mentions four things that he has come to understand. Two of these we looked at in last week’s passage, the remaining two are our focus for today.

In the first half of the stanza, the psalmist expressed his understanding and his belief that, first of all, God is faithful in all things, even in – especially in – affliction and suffering. Second, he shared the insight that God’s love is unfailing, and it brings comfort during such times. We can rest assured that God is focused on what is best for us, and draw comfort in the fact of his love.

God is compassionate

In verse 77, we find God’s compassion. This is an interesting concept from a biblical standpoint. God, being God, does not need to be compassionate towards us; but he chooses to do this. Compassion is very closely related to mercy, it is completely undeserved. In fact, we actually deserve the opposite of God’s love and mercy, or compassion. We deserve punishment for our transgressions and sins. But God is merciful, and we can cry out for that mercy, knowing that he is faithful and compassionate, and will give it to us as we need it.

Suffering leads to encouragement

At first glance, this statement sounds crazy, but it is true. Suffering can lead to encouragement. Specifically, our suffering, and how we respond to it, can cause others to be encouraged. When we hold our heads high and stay devoted to God in the face of extremely difficult circumstances, others take notice of that, and they can be encouraged and convicted in their own lives and faith. This is what the psalmist is stating in verse 79, and he made a similar statement in verse 74. He wants others to be encouraged by how he faces his trials. We should too.

This stanza is filled with insights into why we suffer affliction, and how we can best respond to it. But it is also worth noting that in the middle of all this, the psalmist also expresses three prayers. He asks that the arrogant be put to shame in verse 78; that others can be encouraged by his example in verse 79; and that he can continue to live in an upright and blameless fashion before God in verse 80.

These are excellent things to pray for, but this third prayer especially resonates deeply within us today. We should long for a blameless heart before God just as much as this psalmist did. And the way to be blameless is by being entrenched in the Word of God. Just look at the way the psalmist expressed this in this stanza alone (italics added):

• Give me understanding to learn your commands – verse 73
• I have put my hope in your Word – verse 74
• I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous – verse 75
• May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise – verse 76
• Your law is my delight – verse 77
• I will meditate on your precepts – verse 78
• …those who understand your statutes – verse 79
• May my heart be blameless toward your decrees – verse 80

The psalmist’s conviction and focus on the Word of God is unmistakable. Our conviction and focus should be unmistakable as well.

Question: What do you do in order to keep the Word of God a priority in your life? You can leave a comment by clicking here.