“Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts” (Ps 119:134). Have you ever thought of this? What does it mean to be redeemed from the oppression of man?
It’s not easy obeying the Lord’s directives. And one reason, says David, is that every day we seem to “run the gauntlet.” He would similarly write in Psalm 56, “Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; fighting all day he oppresses me. My enemies would hound me all day, for there are many who fight against me, O Most High” (vv 1-2). Hounded by inflexible deadlines, by domineering bosses, by petty neighbors, by obstinate fellow employees, by unreasonable officials, even by uncooperative family members.
The solution, he says, is as simple as it is effective. Afraid of overreacting? He’ll help with your temper. Afraid of offending? He’ll help with your tongue. Afraid of growing bitter? He’ll help with your thoughts. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You” (v 3).