Ps. 119: 89-176
Affirmations are big these days, the idea being that if you tell yourself something often enough and with enough confidence, you will begin to believe it. This Psalm feels like that to me. The Psalmist repeatedly asserts his positive relationship with God’s law and reminds himself of the benefits of such a relationship. It’s as if he is trying to mold his behavior through his thoughts and his speech. Affirmations.
But interspersed with all of that, there are comments about enemies, persecutors, evildoers and the like. And, in fact, nine times the Psalmist says, “give me life.” He asks for life “in” God’s ways, righteousness, and steadfast love. He asks for life “according to” God’s word, justice, promise, rules, and steadfast love. I get a visual of somebody crouched in a small hiding place, pursuers searching not too far away, reciting under his breath something like, “I love your law; I follow your commands. You are faithful and good to those who walk in your ways. Do not leave me to my oppressors; do not let them overcome me! Give me life because you are good and just!”
Maybe that someone could be any one of us when life gets hard or we are battling temptation. And maybe this idea of affirmations is a great response in such situations. Maybe if we repeatedly remind ourselves of our devotion to a just and loving God who is above all things, who freely and willingly gives us life, it will help to keep us on track and to make the right decisions. Sure seems worth a try to me.
2 Thess. 1
Persecution often seems like a fertilizer for God’s Church. Maybe because it keeps us aware of our need for God and prevents us from getting comfortable and lazy in our devotion to Him. The Thessalonians came to Christ amid much persecution and affliction, and Paul’s words in his letters indicate that they were thriving. But difficult situations can wear you down after a while. So Paul encourages them to remain steadfast, reminding them that those who hate God will have their day in court, and the end will not be pleasant for them. Those self-affirmations I was talking about in Psalm 119? It seems those are good to pass on to others as well.