Lesson 8: Zeal When Troubles Come
 www.bible.com/bible/59/psa.119 

 49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.
 
We’ve seen several stages now in our growing maturity in God. It seems like we go up and then down. We should not be surprised by this way of living for we should know our enemy, the devil, will do all he can to discourage us. But just as we read in verse 49, our hope must remain in God and His promises to us.

Please note the ups and downs in verses 50 through 55. See the pairings of words seemingly so opposite of each other? Affliction and life, derision and faithfulness, rules and comfort, indignation and acceptance (not forsaking), songs and boredom (implied), loneliness (night) and remembering – all show these opposite feelings we face in our life.


But we do not need to let these ups and downs sway our determination even when they affect our feelings. We can’t always help how we feel, but we CAN do something about how we allow those feelings to affect our life. Affliction makes us hurt and discouraged – instead we turn by faithfulness to Him in His word. Having someone insult us makes us angry – instead we determine not to forsake His ways. Rules often make us feel confined and we want freedom to do as we please – instead we find comfort in knowing He is always right. Our indignation at someone for doing the wrong thing often makes us impatient – we find comfort in accepting His plan is still in place. Singing praise to God is an answer to many situations such as loneliness or boredom. Let your trust in and desire for Him answer your feelings.