Psalm 119 Journal - Stanzas 9 & 10
Teth
65 You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. 66 Teach me good judgment 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 insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; 70 their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law. 71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. 72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
God is and does good - so says the Psalmist says. But what does goodness really mean? The internet is overflowing with posts trying to explain God's goodness. Since his ways are beyond human understanding, perhaps one should fall silent, wait and listen…
The price of appreciating God's limitless goodness is submitting to his discipline -
10 Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12)
5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. (Prov. 15)
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!
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8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34)