February 15, 2020 -- Psalm 119:114 -- Hope filled faith

You are my hiding place and my shield;

   I hope in your word.

Psalm 119:114 English Standard Version

Beloved in our Lord Jesus Christ the references this verse makes to other portions of scripture are rich and many. In the Psalms the LORD our God is described as the hiding place of His people (27:5 and 61:4). Perhaps King David remembers the time when he was young and served the LORD in the household of King Saul. That king plotted several times to kill him. King Saul’s son, Jonathan, dearest friend of the future King David, sheltered him and hid him (I Samuel 19:2)  from the evil intents of his double-minded [see verse 119:113 for the fuller explanation of double-minded] and evil-intending father.

To name God as the Shield of His people is a direct reference to Genesis 15:1 and 33, where God Himself tells Abraham “I AM your Shield and Very Great Reward”. Though our fortunes or success in this world may rise or fall according to the standards and measures used by the world, those who trust in the Living God have such blessing and joy as can never be fully measured and such gifts as can never be taken from them.

To hope in the word of the LORD is to anticipate what He will do, no matter how dire the circumstances. To hope in the word of the LORD is faith that is exercised, acknowledging whatever is happening here in front of me cannot obscure what the eyes of faith see—the mighty power of God at work. This expression “I hope in your word” is used 6x in Psalm 119 (v.43, 49, 74, 81, 114, and 147). It is a critical theme. Only the Spirit can take the word of God and help us to interpret correctly what is taking place. Only the Spirit can take the word of God and apply it so that we learn watchful anticipation for Jesus’ return. For when Jesus returns, all things will be set right, all injustices addressed. Those who are not under His shield nor abiding in His hiding place will be cast into hell. Yet the mercies of God our Father and His abundant love for His children will unfold through-out eternity.

Fellow believers in King Jesus, we can easily let our circumstances bring us to a place where we question the works of God. We have seen His salvation in the past, but we wonder, here, where I am now, can God really help me now? Since Feb. 2nd my back has been out of balance. There are times in the night I cringe in pain. A few times when I am teaching lessons in recovery centres or at the prisons, those listening laugh at me awkwardly because they see my contorted face and wincing. They know it hurts. But it is also funny to them because usually I am quite animated and joyful. In fact, this past Monday the pain was so bad, I had to have two young men from a drug and alcohol recovery centre escort me, one man on each arm, down the front stairs, across the short driveway to my car! I could not walk upright on my own and needed that much help. And, thoughtfully, one the guys even brushed the light dusting of snow from my car while I sat unable to do anything but thankfully receive their care.

I am faced with basically two options: one is to complain and say to God, “why are You doing this? I am striving to be faithful here. Why would You mess with my life like this?”  Or I can pray, “Father in heaven, in this place of pain You are my hiding place and my shield, I hope in your word.” I can acknowledge the power of God to remove this hinderance and painful trial—and know whether or not He does so, He is good. He is faithful. He has proven Himself gracious and loving over and over again.

The LORD is my shield already now—whether or not the pain is removed. In Jesus Christ my sins are washed away. By the power of the Holy Spirit the word is rich and real in my life. Yesterday a wonderful truth was drilled deep into me. The LORD of Glory allows me to visit with men in prison, whose circumstances are so dire. When I visit them I hear their testimonies of faith. As we meet together and pray, all of us are reminded once again, no matter what our lives bring—He Who is Faithful will accomplish His saving purpose. He will apply His victory to our circumstances, either now, or when Christ returns. Until that time, He will hide us under the shelter of His wings (Psalm 61:4). Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Jesus, our Shield and Very Great Reward, when we are tempted this day to complain about our circumstances or grumble once again about this or that—let Your Spirit renew in us a deeper, more soul-felt assurance which bubbles up in us because the word is once again applied to our heart. Patient, Faithful Father in heaven, thank You that You will work out Your salvation in us and that You are even now transforming our lowly bodies and scattered brained living.  With the psalmist, and believers—troubled and triumphant—through the ages, we pray: You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. Amen