Lesson 11: Yearning for Understanding
 www.bible.com/bible/59/psa.119 

 73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame!
 
Another change happening in our life is the longing to understand what God is doing in or through us. This section of this Psalm begins with knowing God has made us who we are, made us for a purpose, and now we ask Him for understanding. This is understanding not just for ourselves, but also so we can help others (verse 73-74).


We grow in our understanding of the purpose of our suffering (verses 75-76), and we choose to be His willing servant in all He asks of us. Our desire turns to life of service here, no matter what other troubles might come our way, so we can learn more about Him (verse 77). Paul said the same in Philippians 1:21-26 - he knew living was with Christ and dying was being with Him in person, and he felt torn between the two; but he was willing to stay in this life for a while longer because he knew he could help others understand Christ more too.

Verses 78-79 show an increasing understanding of our interaction with others. First, there is understanding that the wrongs done to us personally are not ours to make right again – verse 78 is a prayer to God for His will to bring justice, and our purpose is to grow stronger in Him by concentrating on His word rather than seeking vengeance. Jesus also said we were to do this, for all vengeance belongs to God rather than to us (Romans 12:19). Those who hear us (verse 78) should hear only God’s word from us, never anger or bitterness.

Finally, verse 80 shows how true understanding of God comes only from His word, and only through His word will we never be put to shame in His eyes.