A couple of weeks ago, we began the third strophe of Psalm 119, looking at verses 17-20. This week, we will look at the second half of that stanza. You can find it at Psalm 119:21-24:

As this stanza began, the psalmist speaks of the concept of alienation he feels because he so diligently follows God’s laws. He follows that thought with another; those who do not understand his commitment to God bring about slander and speak ill of him.

This slander takes a step past mere alienation, and not just because it is directed at the psalmist by the rulers of his people. As believers, it is natural that we feel like don’t fit it, that we are aliens. Because that is what we are. This world is not our home. We do not belong here. As a result, alienation is to be expected. But slander? That’s another issue entirely.

Slander is a falsehood. Slander is saying things about someone that are not true. Slander attaches false motives to the things we do, and may even bring false accusations of evil that we did not do. To not fit in feels bad enough, but to have people lie about us, and falsely accuse us of doing evil while we are striving to live for God feels even worse!

We have only one option, and the writer here touches upon it in the last two verses. When slander and accusations come our way, our only recourse it to bring it to God. Our only option is to seek solace from his Word. That is what the psalmist does, and it relieves his mind; he finds delight.

I find it enlightening that the psalmist calls God’s laws his “counselors.” This is literally translated as “men of advice,” carrying the meaning of teachers or instructors. One translation uses the phrase, “my intimate companions.” That shines a new light on just how intimately we are to know the Scriptures.

In the next stanza, the psalmist brings two more accusations against those who have alienated and slandered him. But in the meantime, he has sought and found delight in the Word of God.

You and I would be wise to do the same.

You may have heard that just a few days ago, I lost my grandmother. She was 95 years old, and had lived a very full life, full of love and commitment to God, and full of love and commitment to her husband, my grandfather. He passed away four years ago, and just before he did, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. What a legacy of love and faith! What an example to strive to follow in my own life and marriage! I found, after her death, and the family squabbling that too often occurs after such things, found solace in the words of Scripture. I listened to several sermons and podcasts over the next week, and read numerous chapters of Scripture. And I discovered once again what the psalmist here has said:

“Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.”

And later in verse 28:

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”

And would you know it? He did!

Question: Have you ever felt drawn to God’s Word at times of sorrow and stress? How did God use Scripture to lift you up? You can leave a comment by clicking here.