15 May 2006

Text: Psalm 119:65-72


REFLECTIONS OF THE LORD'S DEALINGS WITH US

1. God has always dealt well with us
"You have dealt well with Your servant…"    Psalm 119:65a

a) Marvelous because we are but mere servants

b) God deals well with His servants!

2. God has dealt well even when we have to endure afflictions
"Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word…"    Psalm 119:67

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes"    Psalm 119:71

a) It is difficult to speak of the Lord's good dealing when we are in the midst of affliction

b) But on reflection, we can testify of what we have learned through being afflicted

c) We must declare that afflictions sent by the Lord are with deep and good purpose

3. God has dealt well always, simply because of His attribute of pure goodness
"You are good, and do good…"    Psalm 119:68a

THE DESIRE TO LEARN DEEPER LESSONS OF FAITH AND LIFE

1. Prayer to learn more about having good judgment in life
"Teach me good judgment and knowledge…"     Psalm 119:66

"Teach me Your statutes…"    Psalm 119:68b

2. Determination to faithfully keep the lessons God would teach
"But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.."    Psalm 119:69b

3. Growing Appreciation of the Word of God
"The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver"    Psalm 119:72

CONSTANT CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE PRESENCE OF THE WICKED

1. The pride of the Wicked
"The proud have forged a lie against me…"    Psalm 119:69

2. The nonchalance of the proud
"Their heart is as fat as grease…"    Psalm 119:70

FURTHER MOTIVATION TO LEARN GOOD JUDGMENT

1. So as not to be deluded by the wicked

2. So as not to fall prey to the wicked schemes of the wicked

3. So as to walk worthy of the Lord- for He has dealt well with us