Psalm 119:1-24 pt 1: Your Word

Psalm 119:1-24 pt 1

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹ Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, 
   who walk according to the law of the LORD. 
² Blessed are those who keep his statutes 
   and seek him with all their heart— 
³ they do no wrong 
   but follow his ways. 
⁴ You have laid down precepts 
   that are to be fully obeyed. 
⁵ Oh, that my ways were steadfast 
   in obeying your decrees! 
⁶ Then I would not be put to shame 
   when I consider all your commands. 
⁷ I will praise you with an upright heart 
   as I learn your righteous laws. 
⁸ I will obey your decrees; 
   do not utterly forsake me.

 ⁹ How can a young person stay on the path of purity? 
   By living according to your word. 
¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart; 
   do not let me stray from your commands. 
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart 
   that I might not sin against you. 
¹² Praise be to you, LORD; 
   teach me your decrees. 
¹³ With my lips I recount 
   all the laws that come from your mouth. 
¹⁴ I rejoice in following your statutes 
   as one rejoices in great riches. 
¹⁵ I meditate on your precepts 
   and consider your ways. 
¹⁶ I delight in your decrees; 
   I will not neglect your word.

 ¹⁷ Be good to your servant while I live, 
   that I may obey your word. 
¹⁸ Open my eyes that I may see 
   wonderful things in your law. 
¹⁹ I am a stranger on earth; 
   do not hide your commands from me. 
²⁰ My soul is consumed with longing 
   for your laws at all times. 
²¹ You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, 
   those who stray from your commands. 
²² Remove from me their scorn and contempt, 
   for I keep your statutes. 
²³ Though rulers sit together and slander me, 
   your servant will meditate on your decrees. 
²⁴ Your statutes are my delight; 
   they are my counselors.

Daniel’s Thoughts:

I have seen in my life and my friends lives that many problems people face may come out of not centering on Christ in prayer, study of the word and not trusting in the Lord. We are still tempted and challenged when we are centered because the Devil attacks then. But when we are off base the enemy and temptation hardly needs to attack because our hearts are already on ourselves, our desires, and fears and not on God and his will.

When we seek God with all our heart other things will fall in line in our lives. That does not mean they will be easy, but we will be strengthened and have God’s heart and wisdom to guide us.

Often when we turn away from God and struggle with a sin or something broken in our lives we look for big solutions. But often consistent and joyful time in the word and prayer is a far better cure, because as the Psalm says we will know how to remain pure by living according to your word God.

But in all of this without joy, this becomes one more obligation instead of life. For God desires our hearts and prayer and bible study are great ways to spend time growing in relationship with God. I know and feel it when I read the bible out of obligation and I know the joy of spending time with God and hearing his voice.

Daniel’s Prayer:

Lord

I often turn away and I am broken.

But you are righteous and

You are making me righteous

I want to seek you with all of my heart.

I want to spend time with you joyfully

In prayer and study of your word

Come Holy Spirit

For your word will reveal your will and wisdom to me

I want to follow your will and commands

Amen