Psalm 119:121-128

Ayin.

I have done justice and righteousness; do not leave me to my oppressors. Be surety for Your servant for good; do not let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation and for Your righteous word. Deal with Your servant according to Your lovingkindness and teach me Your statutes. I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies. It is time for the Lord to act, for they have broken Your law. Therefore, I love Your commandments above gold, yes, above fine gold. Therefore, I esteem right all Your precepts concerning everything, I hate every false way.^[1]

It is so frustrating to see the body of Christ behaving like the world. We expect the world to be carnal and ungodly because they have no relationship with the Lord. It is another matter entirely to see the body of Christ defecting from the Word of God especially when you endeavor to remain faithful in all your ways. We know we are not perfect. We know we are sinful and in need of forgiveness, but our heart’s desire is to perform His perfect will daily. So when we spend our time seeking to please the Lord in all our ways, it is maddening to see other so-called Christians routinely defying the Lord by their rebellion and disobedience.

We wonder how those who so brazenly break God’s law continue to get away with their rebellion. Like the psalmist, we believe it is time for the Lord to act. Jeremiah expressed the same concern in a slightly different way. He writes: “Righteous are You, O Lord, that I would plead my case with You; indeed I would discuss matters of justice with You; why has the way of the wicked prospered? Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease” (Jeremiah 12:1). While I cannot answer the question, I know we serve a just God. We do not know what happens behind the scenes. We do not know the silent struggles of those who look to have it all together. Therefore, we can only be concerned about our way. Perhaps that is why the Apostle Paul counsels the Philippians: “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Heavenly Father, You alone know the habits of our hearts. You know the depth of our faith and devotion. You also know the frustration we feel watching the rebellion so prevalent in Your body. Keep us focused on our salvation. Never let us become distracted by what others do or do not do. Continue to show us Your lovingkindness as we endeavor to faithfully keep your law. Amen.

^[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ps 119:121–128.