Scripture:  Psalm 119:1-8     Commentary

¹ Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
² Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
³ They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
⁴ You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
⁵ Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
⁶ Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
⁷ As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
⁸ I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me! (NLT)*

Observation:

In this long psalm, the poet expresses that God has communicated much to his people that brings them joy. God gives instructions (v.1), statements about how to things. He gave laws (v.2), the Torah, a system of righteous government. He reveals his paths (v.3), tracks that lead us to him. His commandments (v.4) tell us how to behave righteously. He has handed down decrees (v.5), righteous judgments about sin. He directs us through commands (v.6), authoritative orders which rein us in. Finally his righteous regulations (v.7) point out the right way to live our lives.

Application:

How often I and other believers pray, “Lord, show me what to do.” Yet Scripture is very clear about the will of God. The apostle John writes, “And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another” (1 John 3:23, NLT).  So why do I experience the recurring need to pray for direction. When I compare my life with God’s commands (v.6), I see where I fall short. Following his commands requires me to seek his loving path. Sometimes, I’m ashamed to admit, I resist loving as he loves. I can identify with the psalmist’s plea, “Please don’t give up on me.”

Prayer:

Father, thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for revealing the way you would have me live. Empower me by your grace to reflect your decrees consistently. Forgive me when I resist and when I fail. Renew my passion to seek you with all my heart. Fill me with your joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*(NLT) New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation, Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture: Psalm 119:9-16     Commentary

⁹ How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
¹⁰ I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
¹² I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
¹³ I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
¹⁴ I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
¹⁵ I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
¹⁶ I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word. (NLT)*

Observation:

“Your” and “I” appear in nearly every verse of this stanza. God’s Word calls for collaboration in transforming us. The psalmist obeys it (v.9), hides it (v.11), recites it aloud (v.13), rejoices in it (v.14), studies it, reflects on it (v.15), delights in it, and remembers it (v.16). The word itself is active. God’s Word purifies us (v.9), keeps us from wandering (v.10), prevents us sinning (v.11), teaches us (v.12), and enriches us (v.14).  No wonder the psalmist praises the Lord.

Application:

Although studying and remembering are solitary activities, God wants the wealth of his words on display in me. Praising, rejoicing, and reciting aloud are activities heard and seen by other believers. When I obey God’s Word, my transformed life testifies to believer and unbeliever alike that his word is true.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for engaging and transforming me through your word. Teach me your decrees. Empower me to obey them. Keep me from wandering away from your path. Forgive me when I fail, and lead me to a deeper knowledge of your Word made flesh, Jesus. In whose name, I pray. Amen.

*(NLT) New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation, Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture:  Psalm 119:17-24  
¹⁷ Be good to your servant,
that I may live and obey your word.
¹⁸ Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your instructions.
¹⁹ I am only a foreigner in the land.
Don’t hide your commands from me!
²⁰ I am always overwhelmed
with a desire for your regulations.
²¹ You rebuke the arrogant;
those who wander from your commands are cursed.
²² Don’t let them scorn and insult me,
for I have obeyed your laws.
²³ Even princes sit and speak against me,
but I will meditate on your decrees.
²⁴ Your laws please me;
they give me wise advice. (NLT)*

 Observation:

The obedient servant experiences God’s laws, instructions, regulations, commands, and decrees as wonderful, wisdom-filled, life-imparting truth. The obedient servant feels a foreigner in a world in which the goal is self-pleasure rather than pleasing God. When worldly denizens and powers mock and insult the obedient, the servant remembers that such arrogance has already been judged and condemned. The only good, pleasing life is pursuing God’s way.

 Application:

God desires my life’s occupation to be obeying his word. What a good gift he gives all believers in giving both his written word to mediate upon and his Word made flesh to be with and in us. Through his Word I have already received everything I need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3).

Prayer:

Father, thank you for the good gift of your Word. Open my eyes to your wonderful truths. Make me willing to obey you. Rebuke me when I go astray. Forgive me and lead me back to you. Keep me safe as I encounter those who do not know you. Give me gentle words to share with them the hope you have given me in Christ Jesus. In whose name I pray, Amen.

*(NLT) New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation, Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.