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This section of Psalm 119 hits like a reality check.  Far too often I am not in contact with reality.  This will be in varying degrees in varying circumstances, of course.  As a human being I am an interpretive creature, therefore needing a regular and routine touchstone with Truth.

The psalmist reminds himself, and thereby reminding us, that the LORD God has dealt with his servants well.  My interpretive reality does not always tell me this, but nevertheless, that is the real reality.  The touchstone with Truth reminds me that the LORD has dealt well with me according to his Word (v.65).

As a human being I have a capacity for memory and am called to remember.  Because I am a sinful human being, I have a faulty memory.  I can even forget that I believe in the LORD’s commandments!  It is good and rightful that we remind ourselves that we believe, what we believe, and that we still need to be taught to believe (v.66).

Verses 67 and 71 hit the reality of sin, discipline, and restoration.  Not at all meaning that all affliction experienced is because of personal sin, but the psalmist speaks truth to himself by saying it was because he went astray that affliction came.  He then recognized the affliction as discipline from his Heavenly Father and is restored in relationship, back to keeping his Word.  Do you consider it good/joy/pleasant to undergo the discipline of the LORD in affliction because of your sinful choices?

THE Lie, from the very beginning has attacked God in his character and actions.  The reality check is that “[God is] good and do[es] good.” (v.68).

Often times those outside and against us say things that are not true but can have all the appearance and believability of being true to those who would listen (v.69-70).  The reality check is that your heart before the LORD and before those that are closest to you is what really matters.  God knows what is true, you should know what is true, and those who care about you should know what is true of your heart.  Ultimately, it doesn’t matter that the “insolent” say.  Just because they say it doesn’t make it true.

What good does it do to gain the whole world yet forfeit your soul (Matt. 16:26; Mark 8:36)?  We desire much from this life and out of this world, but these desires are disordered and destructive.  We require another reality check of the eternal value/worth of the Word of God and the life that it brings (v.72) (Prov. 3:13-18).