Psalm 119:150 | “They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.”

The psalmist describes the tension of his situation with honesty and clarity. Those who pursue him are drawing closer. Their intentions are not mixed or confused but openly evil. They love what is wicked and despise the one who loves righteousness. Though they press in on the psalmist, they are at the same time far from the Lord. Distance from God always reveals itself in distance from his law. They neither obey his word nor desire to do so. Their consciences have been hardened, and their rebellion is settled. This nearness brings real fear. Yet the psalmist is not left to despair. He knows the Lord is not unaware of what is happening. God sees both the threat and the hearts behind it. As Spurgeon wisely notes, “They could not hate a saint and yet love the law. Those who keep God’s law neither do harm to themselves nor to others.” Their hatred of the psalmist ultimately reveals a deeper hatred of God himself. The enemies may draw near, but they are far from the Lord. And the one who belongs to the Lord is never abandoned. God is attentive. God is just. And his nearness is far more potent than the closeness of any foe.