Psalm 119:113-128 NKJV
ס SAMEK
113 I hate the double-minded,
But I love Your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
For I will keep the commandments of my God!
116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
And I shall observe Your statutes continually.
118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,
For their deceit is falsehood.
119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross;
Therefore I love Your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.
ע AYIN
121 I have done justice and righteousness;
Do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be surety for Your servant for good;
Do not let the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation
And Your righteous word.
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,
And teach me Your statutes.
125 I am Your servant;
Give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.
126 It is time for You to act, O Lord,
For they have regarded Your law as void.
127 Therefore I love Your commandments
More than gold, yes, than fine gold!
128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things
I consider to be right;
I hate every false way.
Psalm 119 is clearly the longest of all the psalms. It contains prayers, comforts, instructions, and much thanks to God for His great works and mercy. Therefore, you, dear saint, can read and meditate upon these words for encouragement and strength.
Verse 113 mentions the “double-minded” which the author says he “hates.” Hate is a strong word, but in these words given and inspired by the Holy Spirit, you are encouraged to hate the things that God Himself hates. The phrase “double-minded” in the Hebrew means people who are skeptics, wavering. This word is used to describe individuals who are not fully committed or are wavering in their faith. The imagery of division suggests a lack of unity or coherence in one’s convictions, leading to skepticism or indecision.
In the context of biblical teachings, a divided mind is often seen as a hindrance to faithfulness and spiritual growth. The Bible encourages believers to have a steadfast and unwavering faith, contrasting the divided mind with the ideal of wholehearted devotion. How about “wishy-washy” or “wobbly.” These adjectives describe those who are both easily lead astray and those who easily lead others astray. Both are dangerous and injurious to the one true faith. One who is not certain and tries to teach others will, of necessity, be unable to speak and teach rightly about God’s will and work and will lead others away from Divine Truth.
Your prayer, dear saint, is a culmination of several of these verses: “Uphold me according to Your Word, that I may live;” “Hold me up, and I shall be safe;” Give me understanding that I may know Your testimonies;” Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy.” And God does all those things through His preached Gospel and rightly delivered Sacraments. By faith, receive these things regularly, and you will be kept from being double-minded. Instead, you will be kept in the one right Way, the way of forgiveness and salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ for you.
Let us pray: Lord, keep me in Your way, for You are my hiding place. Amen.