Psalms 119 ZAYIN

"Remember you word to my servant,

    for you have given me hope.

My comfort in my suffering is this:

    Your promise preserves my life.

The arrogant mock me unmercifully,

    but I don't turn from your law.

I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, 

    and I find comfort in them.

Indignation grrips me because of the wicked,

    who have forsaken your law.

Your decrees are the theme of my song

    wherever I lodge.

In the night, Lord, I remember your name,

    that I may keep your law.

This has been my practice:

    I obey your precepts."

                                        Psalms 119:49-56

 The seventh section of this chapter, ZAYIN, represents the need and desire to keep the word of God rooted inside of our hearts, minds and spirits. The word in Hebrew is translated as a weapon, or more adequately, a sword, better known as the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT. It is in this section of verses that we see the importance of taking up our spiritual warfare against the attacks of the enemy. "Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this:" "Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge." Looking at these verses, I'm picturing a mighty battle cry going out from the deepest parts of our being as we use the word of God which has been hidden in our hearts, to fight back against the enemy's flaming arrows that try to knock us down. This word, Zayin, is the same word in Ephesians chapter 6, where Paul is telling the church of Ephesus how to protect ourselves from the Devil by putting on the full armor of God. Without a spiritual sword, the pieces of our armor only serve to defend shots fired from enemy lines, but when our uniform is completed with a weapon for warfare, we are then equipped to go on the offense and fight back. It brings me back to the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. Satan tried every tactic he knew to trick Jesus into falling at his feet. The Devil was defeated because against every lie and trick thrown his way, Jesus fought back not with fists and strength in body, but by the knowledge and the power of the inspired word of God which equipped him with the only weapon that holds any power on this earth, outside of God himself. 

    

    The Hebrew word for Zayin has another meaning as well, that being one of nourishment. In the same way that a sword is useless if we don't practice how to wield and use it, a body is weak if it is not filled with the right nutrients. Imagine trying to go into battle after feasting out on a dessert buffet, with foods full of sugar and artificial flavorings that only serve to satisfy a craving, but do more harm than good to the body. We would go into the battle, and after the sugar high wore off, we would feel sluggish and not be at our best. Just like our bodies need healthy foods to function properly, we need to fill our spirits with all that God has given to us to prepare our bodies, so that when the enemy attacks, we will be strengthened and ready to stand our ground. Fully surrendered to the truth of God's word, leaving no room for the enemy to take any ground within ourselves. 

    As Christians, the enemy is prepared to attacks each of us, ad bring us to a place of defeat. Thankfully for us, God has already given us everything we will every need to protect our souls from eternal destruction by sending us the Holy Spirit and the inspired word that is our Sword, but only if we pick it up and practice how to use it. I pray that as you read this, you hearts burn with a desire to dig into God's word and let it fill every crevice of your once empty soul. Don't let the enemy have any part of your holy temple, which is your body. For once he has entered your heart, he will build a stronghold not easily broken, in order that he will in turn break you and pull another soul down in the pits of Hell where he will soon take up residence after the triumphant return of Christ. 

Adam Semple- A Young Man on A Journey Through the Psalms.