“I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.” (Psalm 119:113) The first thing the Psalmist focuses on in this passage is the thoughts. The thoughts should not be focused on vain or empty things but on God’s word. God’s word should be loved and cherished because it brings hope and guides me to my hiding place. “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” (verse 114)
God’s word is protection from evildoers and upholds me in difficulty. “115) Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. 116) Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.” (verses 115 and 116) The Psalmist wanted nothing to do with evildoers. He wanted them a long way from him. A good protection from evildoers is to keep God’s commandments and cling to the hope found in His word. God will not leave His own to be ashamed but will come to their help in time of need. Safety can be found in Him and in obedience to His word. “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.” (verse 117)
“118) Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. 119) Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.” (Psalm 119:118,119) It may seem like the wicked is winning. They may have their day, but God will judge them and put them away. He is righteous and cannot leave sin unpunished. Those who disobey His word will be judged. Therefore, God’s people should love His word all the more.
“My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.” (verse 120) When God’s people see God’s judgment on the wicked, they should fear. A righteous fear of God is a healthy thing. It brings protection from the punishment the wicked are going through and it brings one under the safety of God’s protection. Our hope is in God.