Verse 161 says, “Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.”

The psalmist reminds us that even when life feels unfair, when those in authority or power treat us unjustly, God calls our hearts to stand in awe of Him. To stand in awe of God is to hold a deep reverence and trust for Him that shapes our hearts and guides our actions, even amid life’s trials. This reverent awe is more than an emotional response, it causes our wilful hearts to submit to His instructions.

Persecution without cause (v.161) can feel like a sharp, unexpected blow. In this broken world, even when we try our best to do right and show kindness, we may not always receive the same in return. We may feel powerless, confused, and tempted to strike back. “An eye for an eye” seems natural. The psalmist knows this struggle well. He hates falsehood and injustice (v.163), just as we do. It is natural to feel anger or resentment when wrongs are done, especially it is done against ourselves.

Yet, the psalmist restrains himself out of reverence for the Lord. Awe of God shapes his responses: he does not allow hatred or bitterness to dictate his actions. Instead of reacting in anger, he chooses to trust God, obey His Word, and hold his peace in reverent awe. Retaliation would never truly satisfy the heart, nor would it ensure justice is rightly served. He chooses instead to act in accordance with God’s Word, responding not out of anger, but in love and goodness founded on God’s nature.

When we do that, Verse 165 promises a peace unto us. “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” This great peace, or shalom, is more than mere quietness. It is a state of restorative wholeness, a sense of completeness and inner stability, promised to those who love and obey God’s Word. Too often, our own lack of peace is a result of personal torment. Anger, resentment, and desire for revenge feed a cycle that does not come from God, leaving us emotionally torn, bitter, and even physically strained.

The psalmist invites us to a better way: let your heart be anchored in God’s truth and love for His law. When we do, even in the face of injustice, we can respond with integrity, patience, and faithfulness. When awe and love for God guide us, persecution no longer breaks us. Our hearts are held whole, our spirits unshaken, and we can endure with patience, rejoice in His promises, and find joy that comes not from circumstances, but from God Himself. True shalom is not the absence of trials, but the presence of God’s truth in our hearts.

This is like a sailor caught in a sudden storm at sea. The waves crash around him, the wind howls, and the little boat rocks violently. Fear and frustration rise, and instinctively he struggles, paddling and steering with all his strength. But no matter how hard he fights, the boat continues to toss him about, and his exhaustion grows.

Then he remembers the anchor. With care, he drops it into the dark waters. Immediately, the boat steadies. The waves still rock it, but the anchor holds him firm. He can breathe again, his fear begins to subside, and even in the midst of the storm, a deep peace settles in his heart.

Dear brothers and sisters, life can feel like that storm. When we face persecution, lies, or injustice, our first instinct may be to lash out, retaliate, or harbour anger. But these reactions only toss our hearts about and wear us down. The psalmist shows us another way: stand in awe of God, restrain your sinful impulses or retaliations, and anchor yourself in His Word. Even amid the storm, God’s presence holds us steady. Our hearts are not broken. And in that obedience and reverence, we experience shalom: the deep, unshakable peace that comes from Him.

Prayer:

Father, when I face injustice or hurt, help me to stand in awe of You. Guard my heart from being broken by anger or bitterness. Teach me to love Your Word above my own desire for revenge, and guide my steps so that my responses reflect Your goodness. Let Your promises bring shalom, peace, and joy to my heart, even amid trials. Amen.