The last time my wife and I went on a date to Meyer Dairy, we did something we have done for years, we ordered and shared this wonderful dessert. It’s one of those you can customize. Its starts with three scoops of ice cream, you pick your own flavors. Then they add whatever topping you wish, underneath it all is a banana and we ordered gooey hot fudge as one topping, fresh juicy strawberries for another and sweet crushed pineapple dripping all over the third mound of ice cream. Added to this was a generous helping of fluffy, white fresh whip cream coming straight from Mr. Meyer’s farm not some pre-packaged container and crushed peanuts sprinkled all over ! Have I succeeded in making you hungry yet? I hope so because the point of the part of Ps.119 to look at today goes in line with this.
We are influenced every day by voices and so verse 41 says, “Let Thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even Thy salvation, according to Thy Word”. The voice of God is what our writer desired to be influenced with, not the voices of the ungodly he mentions in the next verse, “So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me. . . “. That old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me” is not so true for people who listen more to the voices of the ungodly. Has anyone ever told you that you were stupid, that you won’t ever amount to much, you’re ugly? Many in our world have suffered from one or more types of abuse and the abuse effects them still. Unkind words and deeds can cut deep and the wounds can be long lasting until we begin to allow ourself to truly be influenced by His Word which is THE key !
This is why this part of this psalm ends as it does. The writer starts to listen to a godly voice: his own. He has chosen to first heed God’s voice and reminds himself of this, “And take not the Word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Thy judgments.” (vs43) & “I will speak of Thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.” (vs46) then “…I will meditate in Thy statutes.” (vs48). When the news gets you down, when others tear you down, when your own mind drags you down with worry then it’s time to let yourself be influenced by His Word, it is what can truly build you up ! I was talking to a man in our church just yesterday and I was trying to encourage him and we were talking about our church’s challenge this week of reading through Acts. He told me he was ahead of schedule and it was helping him a good deal !!
Consider taking a “media fast” by staying away from the TV, the radio and internet news for a couple of days. Take the time you would’ve for the news and get in the Bible. Let the voice of God influence you and see what happens !!