MAR 17

Psalm 119:161-168
Memorise Psalm 119:161
”Princes have persecuted me without a cause…”

ARE YOU IN AWE OF THE WORD?

When you read the words “princes have persecuted me without a cause”, you may wonder, this verse has nothing to do with me! Well for one, we don’t have “princes” in Singapore. Furthermore, you may not have met any obvious persecution – with or without a cause (whether the persecution is fair or not)! But think a bit more, and you can see something wonderful in this verse.

Firstly, the meaning of the word “prince” has changed since the days of the King James Bible. We understand “prince” to mean the son of a king, but during those days it just meant “leader”. So, you can start thinking again! Have I been unjustly treated by somebody more senior than me (maybe your school monitor, or prefect or even your older brother or sister)? You are the junior person, so you can do nothing!

Secondly, what can you do when this happens? Some people are afraid (“in awe”) of people in authority, and are just too plain scared to do anything when they are treated unfairly. But the psalmist said something wonderful! “but my heart standeth in awe of thy word”.

As Christians, if we fear God, we do not need to fear anything else and anybody else! Isn’t that great? If we fear God, we would also be “in awe of” (reverence) His word. What this means is that in the midst of persecution, “I still reverence thy word. I am not deterred from keeping thy law by any threats or intimidations” (Barnes). Notice how the Psalmist stands in the face of persecution, not cowering and wavering. His faith in God’s Word is strong and resolute.

Dear teen, think about it! Many of our troubles come from our lack of reverence for God’s word! We fear man rather than trust God’s Word which contains many promises of wisdom and protection for times of persecution. Or when troubles come, we start to doubt God’s Word. If we are to be “in awe of” God’s word, then when we read the Bible, or listen to a sermon or message, we need to take it seriously, and with deep respect. Furthermore, you cannot be in awe of something you do not know.

Thought: If we love God’s word, we will do those things that we know will please Him. If we fear God, we will NOT do those things that we know will displease Him.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the many times I take Thy word lightly.