Psalm 119:54

Vs. 54 – Your statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.

John Calvin:

One circumstance merits particular notice, that David, during his exile from his native country, ceased not to draw consolation, amid all his hardships, from the law of God, or rather a joy which rose above all the sadness which his banishment occasioned to him. It was a noble specimen of rare virtue, that when he was denied a sight of the temple, could not draw near to the sacrifices, and was deprived of the ordinances of religion, he yet never departed from his God. The phrase, the house of his pilgrimage, is employed, therefore, to enhance the conduct of David, who, when banished from his country, still retained the law of God deeply engraven on his heart, and who, amid the severity of that exile, which was calculated to deject his spirits, cheered himself by meditating upon the law of God.

Prayer:

Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. When I feel isolated or alone I remember the word that You have spoken to me and then I find peace and sometimes even a song to stir my soul. Although this life is but a pilgrimage, I need Your statutes to comfort and encourage me in each step of this journey. Help me to keep Jesus before my heart’s eyes, the author and finisher of my faith.


Psalm 119:53

Vs. 53 — Indignation has taken hold of me Because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.

Prayer:

Indignation has taken hold of me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law. I confess that I want You to bring quick righteous judgment upon some who are so evil and wicked–who devour the weak and destroy with pure ruthlessness. My anger wants justice from heaven, even now. Then I am reminded of Your kindness and longsuffering towards me. You could have stomped out my breath and wiped me off this earth and into eternal damnation and Heaven knows that I deserved it, over and over again. But You were merciful and had prepared a time of repentance and salvation for me. I too nurtured sin and wickedness, and oft do today, yet You forgive me. Forgive me now for such self-righteous indignation. I leave the judgment of man’s soul to You. I pray that You would open the hearts of the wicked as You did my wicked heart. I do not want anger or hatred to abide in my heart. Your will be done on this earth, as it is in heaven.

 


Psalm 119:52

Vs. 52 — I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, And have comforted myself.

David Dickson:

It is good to have a number of examples of God’s dealings with his servants laid up in the storehouse of a sanctified memory, that thereby faith may be strengthened in the day of affliction; for so are we here taught.

Prayer:

I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself. When I reflect on Your dealings with Your people down through the ages of time, I am reminded of Your faithfulness. When I consider my own life, I see Your faithful hand. Because You keep Your covenant, therefore I will not fear or be dismayed at the unknown or any calamity that befalls this world. Man will surely corrupt all that they puts their hands on. But one look over my shoulder reminds me that You have always been with me. You will carry me step by step though the foolishness and godlessness that man creates around me. And You will carry all of Your saints through to the end. O such faithful love.


Psalm 119:51

Vs. 51 — The proud have me in great derision, Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.

William S. Plumer:

It is a great thing in a soldier to behave well under fire; but it is a greater thing for a soldier of the cross to be unflinching in the day of his trial. It does not hurt the Christian to have the dogs bark at him.

Prayer:

Lord, though the proud and arrogant mock my faith and scoff because I have chosen to follow You in the path of righteousness, yet I do not turn aside from Your law. You have shown me that the treasures that are in You do not compare with the treasures of this life. Though I am a stranger in this world, You have prepared me an eternal home before the face of the Father God. I prefer to be a doorkeeper on the porch of the house of God than to sit in the tents of the ungodly. You are my King, precious beyond words. If the whole world laugh and ridicule me, so be it. I am Yours!


Psalm 119:50

Vs. 50 — This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.

Matthew Henry:

“Thy word hath quickened me.” It made me alive when I was dead in sin; it has many a time made me lively when I was dead in duty; it has quickened me to that which is good, when I was backward and averse to it; and it has quickened me in that which is good, when I was cold and indifferent.

Prayer:

God, my God, Who has forgiven me all my transgressions and cleansed me from all iniquities, You have also given me hope through Your word in my pilgrimage. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life. Comfort, yes! Your word has comforted me in my sorrow and distress. Refreshing, yes! I am reminded of Your love and care for me. Perseverance, yes! Looking into Your word my faith is strengthen, quickened, and able to run the race set before me. Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty! Thank You for speaking to my heart in clarity and power.