As we navigate through Psalm 119, we encounter David’s vivid expressions of joy in the Lord and His Word. By the time we reach verse 119:57, we see a profound declaration from David: “The Lord is my portion.” This statement encapsulates the essence of his relationship with God. To say that the Lord is his “portion” means that the Lord is his share, his security, and his greatest possession. In ancient Hebrew culture, “portion” often referred to land, which was crucial for economic stability and prosperity. The NET Bible translates this as “The Lord is my source of security,” capturing this idea perfectly.
Consider a scene from the popular film set in the context of 1937 Mississippi. O Brother Where Art Thou follows three escaped convicts. It follows three escaped convicts searching for hidden treasure while a sheriff relentlessly pursues them. In this scene, they are sitting around a campfire, sharing what they will do with their share of the treasure. One asks the rest, “What are you gonna do with your share of the treasure?” One responds about going “Out West, working every day with a tuxedo, and eating all his meals free.” And the other says, “I’m going to visit them foreclosing son of a guns down at the Indian Old Savings and Loan, slap that money on the barrel head, and puy back the family farm.” And then says, “You ain’t no kind of man if you ain’t got land.”
Similarly, David saw the Lord as his ultimate security and source of stability. He concludes, “I have determined to follow the Lord’s instructions,” highlighting his commitment to live according to God’s Word.
David’s confidence in the Lord as his portion is not an isolated sentiment but a recurring theme in the Psalms:
· “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup.” (Psalm 16:5)
· “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
· “I cry to you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’ (Psalm 142:5)
With the Lord as his portion, David finds profound joy, which he continues to express in the following verses.
Seeking the Lord’s Favor
In verses 58-60, David moves from expressing his security in the Lord to actively seeking His favor. He reflects on God’s promises and turns from his own ways to align with God’s Word, a process of repentance. David describes this repentance as an eager return to obedience: “I keep your commands eagerly and without delay” (v. 60). His repentance is not fleeting; it leads to a faithful and joyful adherence to God’s commands.
Joy Amidst Adversity
In verses 61-62, David describes how, despite facing trials, he finds joy in praising the Lord. Even as “ropes of the wicked” tighten around him, he remains steadfast in his praise. David’s unwavering joy and praise reflect a deep-rooted faith, akin to the upbeat message in Forrest Frank’s song, “Life is Good,” which celebrates a positive outlook despite life’s challenges.
David’s response to adversity is a testament to his deep joy in the Lord. He praises God not only during times of comfort but also amidst trials, illustrating a joy that transcends circumstances. This joy is rooted in the Lord’s steadfast love and faithfulness.
Community and God's Love
In the concluding verses (63-64), David highlights two important themes: community and God’s love. He speaks of his friendship with those who fear the Lord and emphasizes the value of fellowship with other believers. David’s joy and faithfulness are nurtured in the context of community.
Furthermore, David reflects on God’s steadfast love, using the Hebrew term “hesed,” which conveys loyal, covenantal love. This love is not just an abstract concept but a tangible reality that fills the earth and profoundly impacts those who experience it.
Conclusion: Experiencing Joy in the Lord
David’s joy, as expressed in Psalm 119, is a joy that cannot be stolen. Unlike fleeting pleasures, the joy found in the Lord is enduring and surpasses all understanding. Many of us may find our joy in various changing circumstances—people, hobbies, achievements, or temporary satisfactions. However, David's example shows us that the Lord is our ultimate joy, providing a stability and fulfillment that nothing else can offer.
To find the Lord as our fullest joy, we must:
1. Recognize that all we have is the Lord. Just as David saw the Lord as his portion and security, we must understand that true fulfillment comes from Him alone.
2. Seek the Lord diligently. David’s active pursuit of God’s favor and obedience teaches us to seek Him with all our hearts.
3. Praise the Lord in all circumstances. Regardless of life’s ups and downs, our praise should remain constant.
4. Gather together in community. Engaging with fellow believers enriches our faith and joy.
Ultimately, the truth of the Gospel leads us to Jesus, who fills the deepest joys of our hearts. As we align our lives with these principles, we experience the joy that David found in the Lord—a joy that is full, lasting, and profoundly satisfying.