Ps 119:132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, after Thy manner with those who love Thy name.
The first thing I think of when reading this verse is the amazing fact that I have a relationship with God in which I can even request His attention! This is so far beyond my scope of understanding. When I think of who God is and who I am, when I contemplate the fact that I can come into His presence with the confidence that He chose me, I am overwhelmed by a love far beyond my imaginations.
Something all children do at one time or another is vie for attention from those around them. Just watch them! They can quickly become over reactive physically and verbally if felt ignored or misunderstood. Think ‘tantrum, meltdown, and conniption fit’. These behaviors are all attention getters.
Here we have the Psalmist requesting that God turn towards him. David can request God’s attention with confidence. No tantrums, no pleading, no acting out to be certain God hears him. There is no gently tapping on the arm and waiting for God to finish what he’s doing before He responds to us. There is no reply from God that says, ‘just a minute, I’m in the middle of something right now’. God’s children have His full attention anytime, all the time. He is always ready to listen! Never too tired, never too busy.
Eph 3:12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.
Heb 10:19 Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
God showered His mercy and grace upon us in His plan for our redemption. It doesn’t end there, He continues to bless us according to His will. So not only do we have His undivided attention at all times, we can expect His continued work in our lives.
De 4:7 “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD our God whenever we call on Him?
Ps 65:4 How blessed is the one whom Thou dost choose, and bring near to Thee, To dwell in Thy courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house, Thy holy temple.
The word ‘gracious’ in Psalm 119:132 comes from the translation <chanan>. The meaning is to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow, to be merciful, and to have pity on.
Recognize David’s humility as he requests God’s favor. The Psalmist’s confidence in God doesn’t come from a prideful expectation of deserving something, but rather from dependence on God’s mercy shown towards him. He doesn’t demand God’s attention, he comes before Him asking for His compassion.
Wow! Not only can I request and expect God’s attention but also His favor! Seriously, what have I done to deserve this – nothing. I love the picture of stooping in kindness to an inferior. God chooses to bestow favor upon His children because He loves them. This love is independent of who I am or what I deserve or what I’ve done. This love is only possible because of who He is and what He’s done.
God’s children can expect His love and attention because of what He has shown in the past. He doesn’t need us to beg, He just wants us to open our eyes and ask. God’s favor towards His children is not based upon their performance.
David’s simple request is ‘turn to me’, meaning look to me, appear, regard me. He adds to this request, ‘turn to me with graciousness’. The Psalmist recognizes he is underserving of God’s attention. The Psalmist then goes on to expand his request in suggesting God turn towards him in mercy just as He has in the past towards those who love Him.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
Take a moment to think of the opposite effect of the truth in Psalm 119:132. If God’s children are to expect His mercy, what is the expectation of those who are against God?
Mal 2:2 “If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,” says the LORD of hosts, “then I will send the curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; and indeed, I have cursed them already, because you are not taking it to heart.
Ps 32:10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked; but he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
Ps 37:28 For the LORD loves justice, and does not forsake His godly ones; they are preserved forever; but the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.
Why is God’s judgement important to consider? Let’s not forget we have Good News to proclaim to those who do not know God. Instead of experiencing uncertainty they will have hope, instead of sorrow they can have joy. Are you looking for opportunities to share your confidence in the Lord?
Bottom line – If you are God’s child having accepted His gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, then God is attentive toward you and will bless you according to His unchanging character. Have confidence in this truth!
Depend on Him for protection. Ps 25:15 My eyes are continually toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.
Depend on Him for answered prayer. Ps 86:6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; and give heed to the voice of my supplications!
Ps 102:17 He has regarded the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer.
I learned this illustration in Evangelism Explosion: having a relationship with God is like that of a beggar reaching up to receive a gift from the King.
“as it is right in regard to those who love Thy name.” Such have a right to the manifestations of God’s grace, resting on the nature of God as faithful to His promise to such, not on their own merits. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary
Ps 106:4-5 Remember me, O LORD, in Thy favor toward Thy people; visit me with Thy salvation, that I may see the prosperity of Thy chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Thy nation, that I may glory with Thine inheritance.
I love the way Matthew Henry’s Commentary addresses this verse: ” Look graciously upon me; let me have thy smiles, and the light of thy countenance. Take cognizance of me and my affairs, and be merciful to me; let me taste the sweetness of thy mercy and receive the gifts of thy mercy.”
Reader, do you love the name of the Lord? Is his character most honorable in your sight? Most dear to your heart? This is a sure mark of grace, for no soul ever loved the Lord except as the result of love received from the Lord himself. Treasury of David
God doesn’t need a calendar to remember His children or to appoint time with them. He is omnipresent. He doesn’t need a special invitation to set aside a time slot to listen to your concerns. We may feel apart from Him but it is solely because of our own lack of priorities.
Consider your schedule again. Have you penciled God in? Perhaps it’s better to use a permanent marker and fill all your time, energy and resources with God as the priority throughout each day and within each responsibility and activity. What do you think? I’d love to hear from you!
