Psalm 119 (166 of 190 notes)

153. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me. The writer has a good case, though it be a grievous one, and he is ready, indeed anxious, to submit it to the divine arbitration. His manner is that of one who feels safe at the throne. Yet there is no impatience: he does not ask for hasty action, but for consideration. In effect he cries, “Look into my grief, and see whether I do not need to be delivered. From my sorrowful condition judge as to the proper method and time for my rescue.” The psalmist desires two things blended: first, a full consideration of his sorrow; secondly, deliverance; and, then, that this deliverance should come with a consideration of his affliction. The words mine affliction seem to portion off a special spot of woe as the writer’s own inheritance: he possesses it as no one else had ever done, and he begs the Lord to have that special spot under his eye, just as a farmer looking over all his fields may yet take double care of a certain selected plot. His prayer is eminently practical, for he seeks to be delivered; that is, brought out of the trouble and preserved from sustaining any serious damage by it. Men consider and do nothing, but such is never the case with our God. For I do not forget thy law. His affliction was not sufficient, with all its bitterness, to drive out of his mind the memory of God’s law; nor could it lead him to act contrary to the divine command. He forgot prosperity, but he did not forget obedience. If we are kept faithful to God’s law we may be sure that God will remain faithful to his promise. If we do not forget his law the Lord will not forget us. He will not long leave that person in trouble whose only fear in trouble is lest he should leave the way of right.