But, zayin (NIV; King James renders it as zain) is an actual Hebrew letter and, in the original language, begins each of the verses in today's passage, vs. 49 - 56.
I originally read through the section in staff prayer, and was really struck by the timeliness of it; I could see lots of parallels between those verses and my Facebook feed....
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law.
I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.
Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.
Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.
In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law.
This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
Now, the arrogant aren't mocking me specifically, personally, but I am seeing much mockery of values I hold and of those who are more vocal than I am about the particulars of those values. And my general reaction is, truly, that those folks who are posting such demeaning things honestly don't have a clue, but have drunk the kool-aid of the day without so much as a consideration that maybe, just maybe, there is a God who has standards as reflected in His word. Truth be told, I feel sorry for them, and the indignation manifests as frustration that I can't find a way to share what I believe and why, as the generally accepted interpretation of those precious truths is about 180 degrees from their actual purpose. It's really, really difficult to reason with anyone who's mind is already made up that any opinion contrary to the popular one is laughably bogus. There's no common ground to even begin a discussion.
So I hold my peace and pray a lot.
Now, shall we explore the Hebrew dictionary?
Remember speaking to your servant concerning that for which I wait;
This my comfort in my misery: certainly your word refreshes me.
Presumptuous [ones] mock me exceedingly: I absolutely will not turn aside from your instruction.
[I] recall your judgements from antiquity, Yahweh, and so comfort myself.
Burning indignation has taken hold of me on account of [those who are] hostile to God and abandon your instruction.
My songs have come into being [from?] your decrees in my household dwelling place.
[I] have remembered your name, Yahweh, in the night and have guarded your instruction.
This has been established for me, since [I] watch over your precepts.
Can I agree with the psalmist and comfort myself knowing that my faith is established, regardless of how hostile the rest of the world becomes? What is the foundation of my songs?
bless you dear for sharing
ReplyDelete...and bless you, dear, for reading! :-)
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