In His Grip

Teth: ‘Treasure in Affliction’   "(65) Teth. You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word. (66) Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments. (67) Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. (68) You are good and do good; Teach me Your statutes. (69) The arrogant have forged a lie against me; With all my heart I will observe Your precepts. (70) Their heart is covered with fat, But I delight in Your law. (71) It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. (72) The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of gold and silver pieces."   (Psalm 119:65-72)   Having been dealt well with (v. 65) through affliction that brought learning to the point of obedience (vv. 67, 71), perhaps the greatest benefit to the Psalmist was a teachable spirit (vv. 66, 68), a desire to obey (vv. 69), and a treasuring of true treasure...

"Heth. The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. I sought Your favor with all my heart; Be gracious to me according to Your word. I considered my ways And turned my feet to Your testimonies. I hastened and did not delay To keep Your commandments. The cords of the wicked have encircled me, But I have not forgotten Your law. At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You Because of Your righteous ordinances. I am a companion of all those who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts. The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes."   (Psalm 119:57-64 NASB95)     Because You are my portion (v. 57) and Your favor overrules the favor of men (v. 58) , I have promised to keep Your words, live a life that is dependent upon Your grace, examining my ways before You, running in Your commands.   Neither the wicked nor the dark of night can keep me from You.   I seek Your...