Despised But Not Defeated
I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. ~Psalm 119:141
Psalm 119 is affectionately known as the "Word of God" psalm. Every verse makes reference to God’s Word. Words such as "testimonies", "precepts", "words", "statutes", "law", and "commandments" all give preeminence regarding God’s Word. In this psalm, God’s Word is the salve for our hurt, the solution for our troubles, and the standard for our lives. This morning, we want to be encouraged that when we feel so insignificant, we can hope through the Word of God.
We see the writer and his rejection.
He speaks of being despised. Four times he refers to the righteousness of God: vv. 137, 138, 142, and 144. He was a believer who took a strong stand for the holiness of God. He was a man who was truly separated to God. However, living for God cost him dearly. The society around him despised and rejected him. Whenever we stand with Jesus and for Jesus, we must accept the fact that we will despised. This world is no friend to God and His Holy Word. Those who stand with God are those who will be rejected.
We see the writer and his realization.
He says, “I am small.” When comparing himself to his society, he realized that he was vastly outnumbered. When comparing himself to his troubles and anguish, he was small. He says, “Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me.” In other words, he was overwhelmed and felt like the pressures would crush him. Do you feel like that sometimes? Do you feel like this today? That sense of being small leaves us with a sense of insecurity. It makes us think that we are of no consideration. It discourages to the point where we feel like giving up and thinking that there is no hope. He realized that he was small. Beloved, we must realize how small we are before we realize how big God is.
We see the writer and his remembrance.
When you know you are rejected and you know the problems in your life are bigger than you, what do you do? The psalmist said, “Yet do I not forget thy precepts.” He remembered that the Word of God is forever! He remembered that the Word of God is faithful! He remembered that the Word of God was his fortress! He remembered that the Word of God will not fail. It encouraged him in spite of his hurt. It exhorted him when he felt like quitting. It stirred him when the fire started to dim. It reinforced him when he started to lose focus. “Yet do I not forget thy precepts.”
What an encouragement for you and me! Make your dependence upon the Word of God your daily duty. Lean upon the promises. Obey every command. Heed every warning. Be faithful to proclaim it. Say like the psalmist did in v. 140, “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” It will be your anchor during the storms of life. It will be your pillow at the midnight hour. It will be your stronghold when the enemy threatens. “Yet do I not forget thy precept.”
Have a steadfast God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 31-33