Gospel Reflections #1197: Not determined by emotions

Psalm 119:165 ‘Those who love your law have great peace; nothing can make them stumble.’

This verse sings of the promise that ‘those who love God’s Word are granted abundant peace and will not be caused to stumble by anything’.

The ‘Law’ here does not simply refer to strict rules or regulations, but signifies God’s ‘teachings’, ‘guidance’ and ‘direction’.

It presupposes an attitude of listening to God’s Word joyfully and out of love, rather than reluctantly obeying out of a sense of duty.

‘Abundant peace’ is not merely a term referring to the absence of conflict or trouble.

It represents ‘wholeness’, ‘well-being’ and ‘true happiness’—a state of fulfilment and harmony in both mind and body.

‘Stumbling blocks’ refer to ‘obstacles’ on the path or ‘traps’ that cause one to trip and fall.

It describes a state in which one does not lose one’s faith or become disheartened and fall because of life’s difficulties or the words and actions of others.

Verses 161–168 of Psalm 119 depict a ‘distressing situation in which one is persecuted by those in power for no reason’.

It expresses the conviction that, no matter how turbulent the external environment may be, a deep peace—one that cannot be taken away by circumstances—dwells within those whose hearts are founded on God’s Word.

David did not allow his emotions to determine whether or not he would praise God.

Circumstances never altered David’s relationship with God.

Even when he felt forsaken by God, and it seemed as though his prayers could not reach higher than the ceiling of his room, David never ceased to pray.

May we always run to God so that we too may possess such faith.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.