Simply teaching the Bible, simply

As we move into this new section, we continue the ascent out of the afflictions of life, toward a life of joy, peace and liberty – even in the midst of storms. Once again, those afflictions come from our own self-seeking sinful human nature as much as those who would seek our demise. The book of Psalms is full of references to the proud (16x), the wicked (90x), ungodly (8x), my enemies (80x), enemy (25x) etc. Yet we should remember that so often it is the flesh life that is in view. For it is our ungodly flesh life that is proud and wicked, it is as real and great an enemy as any Philistine we may encounter! – and often far more subtle. This section is a cry to be delivered from oppression. Oppression has more to do with our perception than any physical harm done to us. Hence the Psalmist appeals for Salvation and that his life would be permeated by God’s Word (v123), for mercy and that he would truly learn God’s statutes (v124), and for understanding that he would know by practical experience that which God has testified of concerning ‘the Way’ (v125). He boldly declares in v126 “It is time for Thee, LORD, to work!” He has had enough of the oppression of the world, the flesh and the Devil in his life, now the long overdue time for change has come. But he knows it must begin in his heart and his affections. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). “This commences a new division of the Psalm indicated by the Hebrew letter Ain — a letter which cannot well be represented in the English alphabet, as there is, in fact, no letter in our language exactly corresponding with it. It would be best represented probably by what are called “breathings” in Greek”. -Albert Barnes. The above comment, coupled with the idea, as noted in the header to the section, of a spring or fountain suggests a returning to the source, getting back to the way it should be, seeing clearly, breathing deeply. In Eden all was wonderful until the heart was deceived and oppression began. But now there is grace! It is grace that delivers us from all oppression, grace that restores our soul, grace that remembers our iniquities no more. So open your eyes, take a deep breath and see the Love He has for you – may it forever change you!