In this section, the psalmist mentions several ways in which he reveals his devotion to the Lord. He begins with an amazing statement when he says that ‘The Lord is my portion’ (v. 57). In saying that, he is claiming to have everything wonderful. God is his inheritance both in this life and the next. His awareness of this reality leads him to dedicate himself to obeying the Lord: ‘I promise to keep your words.’
Another effect of God being is portion is earnest prayer. Such prayer is an expression of the intensity of desire that marks the psalmist’s longing to experience the blessings that his God can give. The measure he can receive is indicated by the promises of God, and none of the blessings is ever deserved by the psalmist. He receives them because the Lord is gracious (v. 58).
One of his crucial activities is self-examination (v. 59). When he finds himself going in the wrong direction he turns away from those steps and resumes walking according to God’s requirements. His change of direction is immediate (v. 60). He reminds us that even the most devoted can go astray and therefore it is important for us to consider where we are frequently in a spiritual sense.
Sometimes, he finds himself caught in a trap of the wicked, but even then he determines to remember God’s commands (v. 61). He is prepared to do without sleep in order to praise God for giving him such benefits (v. 62). Perhaps that was one of the times when he had peace and quiet in order to praise his God.
He realises the benefit of true friendship and his friends are those who fear God. He does not discriminate between them but delights to be with all such (v. 63). No doubt, they encouraged him and he them. Companion is a word indicating being present with someone, to be in their company. Fellowship is an important activity for believers as they walk through life with God.
The last detail that he mentions in this section is that he goes through life with his eyes open (v. 64). He looks for signs of God’s goodness and sees them everywhere, whether in the natural order or at other levels of life. It is not surprising that he then asks such a good and gracious God to continue teaching him his law.
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