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⁵⁷ The Lord is my portion;
    I promise to keep your words.
⁵⁸ I entreat your favor with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
⁵⁹ When I think on my ways,
    I turn my feet to your testimonies;
⁶⁰ I hasten and do not delay
    to keep your commandments.
⁶¹ Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
    I do not forget your law.
⁶² At midnight I rise to praise you,
    because of your righteous rules.
⁶³ I am a companion of all who fear you,
    of those who keep your precepts.
⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
    teach me your statutes!

In the last section we saw how God’s word brings us comfort as we live in a difficult and stressful world. We continue to see that in this section. 

In the first and last verse of this section we hear the Psalmist declare some things which are true about the Lord. He is his “portion”. We probably wouldn’t use that expression - it sounds a bit strange. But it has a technical meaning. It refers to the bit of promised land given (literally portioned out) to nearly every Israelite family. The Levites did not get a portion of land though. They were left out to show to the people that they needed the Lord himself more than any bit of land. The Psalmist either was a Levite or identified with the Levites. He is saying “you are all I need and desire” because he knows the Lord has given himself to him. We know that for certain for ourselves as Christ is ours. 

In the final verse (vs 64) the Psalmist declares that “the earth is full of your steadfast love”. The fact that creation continues to be upheld is evidence that the Lord keeps his promise - not least the promise to Noah not to flood the earth again. We can see this is true for us, and we can also see other evidences of his covenant promises across the whole earth - like the fact the church is growing. The numbers who trust Christ are increasing daily. 

While this Psalm does not hide from the fact that there are people around who hate the word of God and make life difficult for those who want to follow the Lord, it does not give in to a negative siege mentality. The whole earth witnesses to the truth of of God’s love! We are on the winning side. There is no need to be afraid or negative. 

How do we respond to those two certain facts? If the Lord keeps his word to us and to his world, then we stick with his word! The Psalmist does not hesitate to read and obey what God says (vs 59-60). As we might say to children “delayed obedience is disobedience”. Why would we disobey a God who loves us so much? His commands are for our good as well as his glory. 

Although the Psalmist reads Gods word and praises him alone (vs 62 - even in the middle of the night!), he especially seeks out others who fear the Lord and listen to his word (vs 63). Hearing the word of God is a community activity. We can spur each other on. This is especially true as we are surrounded by people who don’t do that (vs 61).