John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:153

"Consider mine affliction, and deliver me; For I do not forget thy law." — Psalms 119:153 (ASV)

Behold my affliction and rescue me. The Psalmist teaches by his own example that those who are devoted to the service and fear of God must not be discouraged though they are not rewarded for it in this world. Their condition on earth is one of warfare, and therefore they should not be dismayed by adversity, but rather rest satisfied with the comforting consideration that the gate of prayer is open to them.

Yet the Prophet does not boast of his endeavors to keep the law, as if he would have God pay him wages for his service, but only to show that he was one of God’s servants, just as he has spoken of his hope in other places of being so.

This reason, for I have not forgotten thy law, for which he beseeches God to consider his affliction and to rescue him, is particularly strong in the present case; for it is evidence of no ordinary courage when, instead of being led away from the fear of God by adversity, we wrestle against temptations and seek him even when he seems purposely to drive us away from him.