ARE YOU DEEPLY ROOTED IN GOD'S TRUTH AND PROMISES?

July 10, 2017

ARE YOU DEEPLY ROOTED IN GOD'S TRUTH AND PROMISES?

Psalm 119:73–80

Christian Cabal

Central Truth

When we experience hardships, we know we have a faithful loving Father who has a good reason for allowing those hardships in our life. We are forced to cling by faith to God's promises for us in His Word, but we must cultivate those truths in our lives.

I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. (Psalm 119:75)

Yodh

73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
    because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
    according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
    for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
    because they have wronged me with falsehood;
    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
    that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
    that I may not be put to shame!

Although it is not clear exactly who wrote Psalm 119, it is clear that the man who wrote it experienced great trouble and affliction in his life. Yet, he got through it because of a deep understanding of God’s unfailing faithfulness and love for him. This is evident in today's section (Yodh), especially verse 75! God brings or permits affliction to fall on His children in order to teach us (Psalm 119:67, 71), as discipline (Hebrews 12:7-11), or to draw us closer to Him in trust and dependence (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). In all cases, it's motivated by His love and faithfulness. Yet, we are assured that He works everything ultimately for our good so that we are conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29).

Some of my personal afflictions are anxiety and depression. When I am troubled with anxiety, I pray God takes it away, but He doesn't immediately. I'll remind myself of Scripture and listen to Christian music, but it persists. When I fall into this pit, I need to remember that I live by faith and truth, not emotions. Just as God did not take away Paul's thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7), He may be allowing this affliction in order to teach me to lean on Him and trust Him more. Though I chose verse 75 as my "Key Verse," verses 76 and 77 are also key—"Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight." God's promise of steadfast love given in His Word is the truth I can stand on by faith.

It is well known to gardeners that plants grown in rich soil are more resistant to pests and disease. Inevitably, plants are afflicted by bugs and bad weather. If they are deeply rooted in good soil and tended to by a diligent gardener, who pulls weeds and checks the plants daily for problems (daily Bible reading and quiet times), they will produce good fruit in the end.

1. There are many reasons why we may be afflicted. It is possible that one reason for our difficulties is unconfessed sin in our life. Read Psalm 139:23-24. Have you asked God to search your heart and help you see where you fall short of His standards?

2. How do you deal with life when difficulty and hardships come? What is your view of God during these times? Do you feel resentful, or do you trust Him?

3. Do you feel like you are deeply rooted in God's truth? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God? Daily Bible reading, prayer, and Scripture memory are some good ways. Are you doing these regularly? Having accountability really helps. Share your desire to grow deeper roots with someone in your community group.