Oct 12 – Because of Your Righteous Judgments!

“Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments.” (Psalm 119:164)

The righteous judgments of the Lord filled David with both joy and wonder. More than that, they stirred him to praise the Lord seven times a day. When we praise the Lord as we meditate upon His righteousness, we can be confident that He will establish justice in our lives.

Notice David’s declaration: “Seven times a day I praise You because of Your righteous judgments.”

The number seven speaks of completeness, fullness, and perfect satisfaction.

• Naaman did not dip in the Jordan merely once or twice for his healing from leprosy. He dipped himself seven times.
• When the Shunammite woman’s son was raised back to life, the child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.
• When Jacob sought reconciliation with his brother Esau, he bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother (Genesis 33:3).

Therefore, when your rights are violated and justice is distorted, praise the righteous God repeatedly throughout the day. Praise Him seventy times seven times! Keep saying, “O God who executes justice, I thank You!”

The Lord will surely act justly on your behalf. People may treat you unjustly, do evil against you, and distort what is rightfully yours. But the Lord is the righteous Judge who will plead your cause and establish justice for you.

As you praise the Lord for His righteousness and justice, also determine to live truthfully and uprightly, without compromising your own integrity. Lord Jesus said: “He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” (John 16:8)

Christ has a vital role in making us righteous before God. As we come to know Him, His righteousness enters our lives and dwells within us. We inherit the righteousness of Christ. Isaiah prophesied: “By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many.” (Isaiah 53:11) Therefore, be united with the righteousness of Christ.

Under the Old Covenant, the Israelites did not fully understand the privilege of depending upon the righteousness that comes through Christ. They held on to the righteousness prescribed by the Law, including the Ten Commandments. But that righteousness could not make them perfect. As a result, they experienced curses, struggles, and deep sorrow.

How blessed we are as saints of the New Covenant! We do not depend upon our own righteousness. We do not place our confidence in rules and regulations that are incapable of making us perfect.

Christ Himself is our righteousness. He who knew no sin became sin for us. He has clothed us with the garments of His righteousness and has made us righteous before God.

Children of God, at the end of your race, you will receive the crown of righteousness from the hand of the Lord.

Verse for further meditation: “You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” (Deuteronomy 16:20)