Faithful on Fridays Blog

Psalm 119: Seventh Octave

Psalm 119:49-56 is the seventh octave or section that we read today focusing on God’s memory. We know that God doesn’t remember our sin after salvation; He casts them into the depths of the seas (Micah 7:18), forgotten forever. However, there are some things that God promises to remember and that’s the request of the Psalmist: remember. “God, remember Your Word to me that caused me to have hope and comfort.” 

God has given us many promises that we’re encouraged to ask Him to remember:

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

But all who listen to Me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm. Proverbs 1:33 

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24 

But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7 

And we will receive from Him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please Him.

1 John 3:22 

Those promises are God’s Word to us! They tell us to believe and trust Him. The world doesn’t depend on God for anything; they trust themselves. Not so with believers in Jesus Christ; our trust is in His character revealed in His Word. When God instructs us, we obey. When we need His help, we ask for it. When we’re weak, He gives us strength. That’s the higher life. That’s kingdom living.

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4 

The names of God highlight aspects of His character which in turn gives us a glimpse of what He’s like; as we remember and declare them our faith is strengthened. 

His names are a blessing to us (Ps. 119:55) because they remind us of Who He is. They are like songs in the night (vs. 54).

In the Old Testament He’s called,

Elohim, God the Mighty Creator. 

El Shaddai, Almighty and powerful, needing no one.

Yahweh, our God who lovingly covenants with us.

In the New Testament:

Pater, our Father.

Kurios, our Lord, full of authority and supremacy.

Theos, the only One, true God.

God’s Word and His names are blessings (vs. 56) that bring hope and a place of confident expectation that He’ll be there for you; He will be who says He is. Remembering God’s promises remind you that He’ll be faithful to fulfill them … in His time. That’s the hard part.

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips, when I remember You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night; Psalm 63:5-6