Truth and Trust

 Psalm 119:113–120 (ESV): 

Samekh

 113  I hate the double-minded, 

but I love your law. 

 114  You are my hiding place and my shield; 

I hope in your word. 

 115  Depart from me, you evildoers, 

that I may keep the commandments of my God. 

 116  Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, 

and let me not be put to shame in my hope! 

 117  Hold me up, that I may be safe 

and have regard for your statutes continually! 

 118  You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, 

for their cunning is in vain. 

 119  All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, 

therefore I love your testimonies. 

 120  My flesh trembles for fear of you, 

and I am afraid of your judgments. 

'I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.' People can twist the truth, manipulate words, seem to say one thing but mean something else. God doesn't. God doesn’t lie, He is not ambiguous, manipulative or deceptive. God and His every word are true and genuine. Therefore when you rely on Him and His Word, you are basing your decisions on truth, and so you get protection, hope and clear direction. Not so when you rely on the words of others. Whose words do you trust in most? Do you completely trust in what God has spoken? 

You can have confidence that as you believe in and abide by Scripture, God will protect, comfort, save, and refresh you. When tough times come, i find strength and hope when i pray God’s words back at Him. For His promises are true and steadfast. God doesn’t change his mind or go back on what He has said like people do. Praying God’s words can help remind you of what God has said, and help you hold onto the personal and scriptural promises over your life. This has certainly refreshed my faith and provided comfort when i have been struggling and petitioning God for breakthrough.

Think of Jesus and his time in the wilderness when the devil challenged him (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus overcame temptation through using Scripture. He recalled it and stood firm on what he knew God has said, and in the end the enemy fled! It was hard for Jesus to resist those temptations, and he didn’t have to recall and stand on The Truth just once for the enemy came several times. Jesus had to repeatedly recall Scripture and fight with God’s promises before he saw the breakthrough. You too will need to continue to fight with The Truth. Don’t let the devil wear you out or convince you, he never tells the full truth, only God does. Therefore it is only God’s Word that can be your hope in hopeless situations, your peace in times of chaos, and your protection in times of conflict. It is an effective weapon, are you using it? 

Psalm 119:120–128 (ESV): 

Ayin

 121  I have done what is just and right; 

do not leave me to my oppressors. 

 122  Give your servant a pledge of good; 

let not the insolent oppress me. 

 123  My eyes long for your salvation 

and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. 

 124  Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, 

and teach me your statutes. 

 125  I am your servant; give me understanding, 

that I may know your testimonies! 

 126  It is time for the Lord to act, 

for your law has been broken. 

 127  Therefore I love your commandments 

above gold, above fine gold. 

 128  Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; 

I hate every false way. 

In this section the writer seems to plead for salvation. He seems worn out yet has hope, and is holding on, even though he sees evil seeming to win. This person is experiencing a time when they have faith and trust in God, but are afraid of being in the hands of ‘my oppressors’. It appears that this situation has been going on for a while as they say they ‘my eyes long for your salvation’, so the implication is that they have been looking out for God to act for some time, and they are still wearily waiting and watching for the circumstances to change. Yet, although they seem despondent, they are not hopeless. 

This writer also recognises their rightful position as one who is NOT in charge. They do not tell God what He should do, but ask, ‘i am your servant, give me understanding’. I think that is a powerful mindset! Although this person is being oppressed and is patiently waiting, they are ontinuing to live life in a godly manner. They are not yet seeing breakthrough but are suffering, and they know God can change things, yet they humbly accept that He has not done that so far. The writer realises that they have no right, as a servant, to boss God around, although they probably wish they could! 

Instead of this psalmist responding in anger or frustration to this continued plight, they continue to pray and live faithfully following God. They are not giving up. For they know and trust that God is good, just and righteous. They are not seeing the change they are hoping for, so they continue to trust that God will do something as His ‘law has been broken’. This person knows they need the strength to wait, and to keep watching out for their salvation. Is that not a powerful witness of genuine faith? To humbly accept the oppression, and to humbly hope and trust The Lord for salvation?! The author does not try to rush the solution and find other ways to get free, but waits, prays and continues to follow God’s instructions. 

How do you respond to God in times of pressure, or when God does not do things the way you think He should, or in your timing? 

Living a life of wisdom

 Psalm 119:97–104(ESV): 

Mem

 97  Oh how I love your law! 

It is my meditation all the day. 

 98  Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, 

for it is ever with me. 

 99  I have more understanding than all my teachers, 

for your testimonies are my meditation. 

 100  I understand more than the aged, 

for I keep your precepts. 

 101  I hold back my feet from every evil way, 

in order to keep your word. 

 102  I do not turn aside from your rules, 

for you have taught me. 

 103  How sweet are your words to my taste, 

sweeter than honey to my mouth! 

 104  Through your precepts I get understanding; 

therefore I hate every false way. 

Did you know that reading the Bible can make you wiser? 

When he was 12 years old Jesus out-smarted all the religious leaders in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-52), and when he was an adult, those who heard him read and explain Scripture, were astonished at his teaching and understanding (Matthew 13:54, John 7:15). As the embodiment of the Word of God (John 1), Jesus' understanding and knowledge caused him to carry an authority and wisdom that even the scholars couldn’t quite fathom. 

Therefore, if you want to be wise, look at Jesus, and follow this psalmist’s advice. Then you will see that reading and applying the Word of God gives you, ‘more understanding than all my teachers’. No instruction manuals or high level degrees can give you such clarity or wisdom, only God's Word can. Other materials can help you figure out the function of some things but wisdom, which comes from the Bible, helps you live life well through applying understanding and developing good judgement. If you study and apply Scripture to your life, you will get wiser. Even if you are young you can ‘understand more than the aged’. You can be wise beyond your years when you read, think about and apply Scripture to your life. I remember my Mum saying to me when i was about 13, that since i gave my life to God i had a greater sense of right and wrong. This is because i read the Bible. I desired to understand it and I followed it the best i could. God can impart His wisdom to you in order to give you compassion and influence in your generation and beyond. This can happen when you rely on The Word of God to influence your mind and behaviour. Do you want to be wiser than your teachers? 

Psalm 119:105 - 112 (ESV): 

Nun

 105  Your word is a lamp to my feet 

and a light to my path. 

 106  I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, 

to keep your righteous rules. 

 107  I am severely afflicted; 

give me life, O Lord, according to your word! 

 108  Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord, 

and teach me your rules. 

 109  I hold my life in my hand continually, 

but I do not forget your law. 

 110  The wicked have laid a snare for me, 

but I do not stray from your precepts. 

 111  Your testimonies are my heritage forever, 

for they are the joy of my heart. 

 112  I incline my heart to perform your statutes 

forever, to the end. 

When God commands something, do you see it as a hardship or as one of His ‘righteous rules’? How you approach and accept the direction and discipline of God makes a difference to how you accept it. If the attitude is ‘oh, another thing i HAVE to do’, or ‘urrrggghh, what next, are you telling me i can’t….?’ Then it is going to be a hardship to apply God’s Word to your life. Yes, God says you should not steal, so don’t do it. Yes God says don’t have sex before marriage, so don’t do it. Yes God says love your enemies, so do do it. Do these instructions, and many others like them, seem like a drudge to you? Like they limit your life and freedom? Or do they seem like gift from a loving Father, helping you to navigate the complexities of this world? 

Desire and learn to see beyond these instructions to the heart of the God who wrote them. God cares enough for you to let you know the way to live your life, in a manner that will reduce the guilt and shame that you experience, and will lead you not just into momentary satisfaction, but long-term joy. 

The Bible is imparted wisdom from Almighty God to help you live the best life you can. It contains good guidance into having appropriate relationships with the rest of humanity, avoiding heartache and honouring your relationship with God. Therefore your mindset towards the Word of God matters. If you approach it with joy, hope and openness, it will give you life and lead you into fullness and blessing. Remember that Scripture reveals who God is, and how much He loves and has invested in humanity. The rules, laws and commandments have a beautiful purpose. So, as you read the Bible and you realise you have to do something that you don’t want to do, know that it is because God wants the best life for you. He wants you to escape harm, self-inflicted difficulty, and to bless those around you, as well as to honour and glorify Him in the way you live. Is that what you want from your life?

So, when you next pick up your Bible to read it, check your attitude. Is your desire to, 'incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end'? Be determined to see God’s goodness, wisdom, guidance and love through Scripture. See it as the best advice that you could ever get (for it is!), and ask God to help you receive it with joy. Allow His words to help you see the greatness of His love. 

God's Word helps you in battle

 Psalm 119:81–88 (ESV): 

Kaph

 81  My soul longs for your salvation; 

I hope in your word. 

 82  My eyes long for your promise; 

I ask, “When will you comfort me?” 

 83  For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, 

yet I have not forgotten your statutes. 

 84  How long must your servant endure? 

When will you judge those who persecute me? 

 85  The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; 

they do not live according to your law. 

 86  All your commandments are sure; 

they persecute me with falsehood; help me! 

 87  They have almost made an end of me on earth, 

but I have not forsaken your precepts. 

 88  In your steadfast love give me life, 

that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. 

Do you long for salvation and for God’s promises? Sometimes you can feel dry, cracked and worn out like a ‘wineskin in the smoke’, do you keep holding onto God’s promises then? Even when life is tough, and it looks like God’s blessings are far off, do you remain obedient? 

It can seem that the world is against you at times, and in some ways that is true, as the Prince of this world, Satan, wants to prevent you from living God’s way. So he will send temptations, trials and troublesome people to obliterate your faith and surround you with lies. What do you do when that happens? 

This writer admits they have experienced this, yet although ‘they have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts’. Their steadfast love and faithfulness to God has held firm. For they have taken the truth of God’s Word, read it, studied it and applied it to their life. So now, in the times of trouble, they can depend upon God and know what the truth is. They know He has spoken about salvation, freedom and the blessing of the obedient. They are assured of salvation because ‘i hope in your word’. They really know what God is like and what He has said for they have taken time to learn and obey. So now, in  persecution, they can trust that God is for them and will bring them through. They have built a firm foundation of faith, and can rely on the knowledge that they are one of God’s people, so He will come to their aid against any enemy that comes against them. They have the Word of God to rely on. Jesus fought with Satan in the wilderness with the Word of God, and eventually the enemy fled. For he cannot stand against God’s Word. So, are you investing time in reading and understanding Scripture? It is a powerful weapon in times of trouble!

Psalm 119:89–96 (ESV): 

Lamedh

 89  Forever, O Lord, your word 

is firmly fixed in the heavens. 

 90  Your faithfulness endures to all generations; 

you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 

 91  By your appointment they stand this day, 

for all things are your servants. 

 92  If your law had not been my delight, 

I would have perished in my affliction. 

 93  I will never forget your precepts, 

for by them you have given me life. 

 94  I am yours; save me, 

for I have sought your precepts. 

 95  The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, 

but I consider your testimonies. 

 96  I have seen a limit to all perfection, 

but your commandment is exceedingly broad. 

Sometimes life is hard so that you feel downcast and like life is a drudge. Especially when there’s unfair persecution when you are living your life faithfully obedient to God. When will the suffering end? is often a question we ask, and when will the persecuters get their comeuppance? At those times, how precious and beautiful is the Word of God! The reliable, consistent life-giving statutes, the truth, hope, reassurance and revelation of Jesus, the conviction of sin and righteousness. Oh how promising and enjoyable are the Scriptures that not only are in our hands, but are ‘firmly fixed in the heavens’! 

When you feel disheartened, disillusioned or downcast, remember not only the sufferings of Christ, but the established faithfulness of God through millennia, and the steadfastness of His Word. Turn to God, trust in Scripture and cling to it. This writer, even when enemies are lying in wait makes a point of recalling God’s Word. Just like Jesus, this writer uses the Word of God to fight his battles. Do you do the same? To do this you can; commit to memory the Word of God, recall stories and verses, remember the battles fought and won in times past, and trust in the testimonies of God’s goodness. These are the things to dwell upon rather than the distress of the situation you are in or the threats of the enemy. For even the perfect plan of Satan, however welll thought through and resourced is limited (v96) and cannot stand against God’s Word. His Word has given you life, it is trustworthy and certain and established in the heavens. Are you using it to bring life, hope and victory in your troubles?

Reciprocating Father God's love

 Psalm 119:65–72 (ESV): 

Teth

 65  You have dealt well with your servant, 

O Lord, according to your word. 

 66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge, 

for I believe in your commandments. 

 67  Before I was afflicted I went astray, 

but now I keep your word. 

 68  You are good and do good; 

teach me your statutes. 

 69  The insolent smear me with lies, 

but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; 

 70  their heart is unfeeling like fat, 

but I delight in your law. 

 71  It is good for me that I was afflicted, 

that I might learn your statutes. 

 72  The law of your mouth is better to me 

than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 

God treats us in accordance with Scripture, 'You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.' If you follow God’s Word, then you receive a blessing from Him, if you disobey, then you will receive discipline. You can be assured that God will deal well with you and always uphold His Word. He will reward you and bless you when you are faithful to Him, plus He will give you opportunity to correct your behaviour and be led into righteousness and forgiveness when you err, because He is good.. The psalmist confesses, ‘Before i was afflicted i went astray, but now i keep your word.’ Sometimes when you encounter difficulty, do you assess your heart and mind to see if there is some error or sin on your part? This writer did, and as he evaluated his motivation and actions, he realised that they were not in alignment with God's Law. Therefore he acknowledged the source of the affliction, changed his heart, mind and actions and concluded that following God's direction is best. To avoid the; shame, heartache, guilt and suffering that disobedience brings, it is better to read God's ways and follow them. Save yourself from affliction.

It is important to note that not all suffering is due to disobedience, sin or error, but sometimes it is. The sense in this psalm seems to be that the author knows they have messed up and deserved the discipline, and they have learnt from it. Sometimes, do you suffer because you know you are disobeying the Word of God? Or is the suffering due to the fact that their is brokenness and sin in the world? Be sure to check your own heart and motives to see if there is any ungodly way in you. David did, in psalm 139 he says, 'see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!' (v24). Are you of the same mindset? It should not be a shameful thing for you to assess your heart and actions. Jesus died for a reason - to forgive you of ALL sin and free you from affliction. So, admitting that you have gone wrong gives you the opportunity to appreciate Jesus; his life, death and resurrection and learn to live different empowered by the Holy Spirit.

God can show you how to live a faithful life - He has given His Word to instruct you, and His Son to show you. As a good parent, God highlights where you are going wrong, and champions your right living. Good parents want to train you to have a good, healthy life, and to be kind and considerate of others. When it is noticed that you are not doing so, it is good and loving of a parent to let you know. God is that loving Father for you. So, don't be worried or afraid if he points out things to you that He wants you to change, it is not judgement, it is love. Other people do not love or care about you in the same way. Even if they end up trying to ‘smear me with lies’ that this behaviour or manner of life is ok, remember that, 'their heart is unfeeling like fat'! Whereas God will always love you and tell you the truth. Therefore, be more concerned about what He says through the Bible than what others say. Like this writer, learn to love the Word of God for it never changes. Yet, it will challenge and change you because God loves you, and wants you to live the best life you can. Learn to be happy when God disciplines you, for it shows that He cares about you and loves your life. Remind yourself that, ‘it is good for me that i was afflicted, that i might learn your statutes’. 

Psalm 119:73 -80 (ESV): 

Yodh

 73  Your hands have made and fashioned me; 

give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 

 74  Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, 

because I have hoped in your word. 

 75  I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, 

and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 

 76  Let your steadfast love comfort me 

according to your promise to your servant. 

 77  Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; 

for your law is my delight. 

 78  Let the insolent be put to shame, 

because they have wronged me with falsehood; 

as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. 

 79  Let those who fear you turn to me, 

that they may know your testimonies. 

 80  May my heart be blameless in your statutes, 

that I may not be put to shame! 

No-one else has such a claim on your life than God does! He is your Father who made and fashioned you - he hand-crafted your outer and innermost being. Therefore He has a greater right to guide you and should be permitted to have greater influence in your life than anyone else. Do you let Him?

Learn to live for the One who made you, who knows you and loves you unconditionally. Then you will be loved and rejoiced in by those who also know and acknowledge Him. You have a beautiful family through faith in God that will help, lead and guide you in His ways. They will support you in righteousness and lead you to the Word of God. Plus, you will be able to guide and guard others as they see your righteous living, they will come to you ‘that they may know your testimonies’. What a privilege and a responsibility you have within God’s family! The privilege of many who love and invest in you, and the responsibility to lead, love and guide others into the ways of God.

This passage of psalm 119 repeats the word ‘let’ from verse 77. It seems almost a plea, a request that God helps the author to allow; God’s steadfast love become a comfort, mercy to be exciting, sinful people to become unattractive because they lie, growing relationships among other God-fearing people. Do these things echo your prayers? Are you more concerned about learning to be obedient and faithful to God than pleasing yourself and those who disregard Him? If you are not sure how to do this, then learn to understand and apply scripture to your life. Search God's Word so that you can learn what is right and wrong that you ‘may not be put to shame’. Plead with God to connect you well, to build your godly relationships and to reveal His way to you. 

Following the ancient ways

 Psalm 119:49–56(ESV): 

Zayin

 49  Remember your word to your servant, 

in which you have made me hope. 

 50  This is my comfort in my affliction, 

that your promise gives me life. 

 51  The insolent utterly deride me, 

but I do not turn away from your law. 

 52  When I think of your rules from of old, 

I take comfort, O Lord. 

 53  Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, 

who forsake your law. 

 54  Your statutes have been my songs 

in the house of my sojourning. 

 55  I remember your name in the night, O Lord, 

and keep your law. 

 56  This blessing has fallen to me, 

that I have kept your precepts. 

God’s Word contains ancient assurances that have stood the test of time, giving security and something dependable to trust in. No other rules or laws are that reliable. Acts are rewritten and updated, laws contested and changed throughout the world and throughout the ages. Yet there is one set of statutes that you can live by that have never been adjusted and that will never be changed. The Law of God has never altered. His commandments about loving Him and loving others, that Jesus also taught, finds it’s source in the Old Testament which was written thousands of years ago, and has never been updated or changed. You can still live by this guidance, it has been tried and tested through thousands of generations, all across the world. The wisest man that ever lived, Solomon recommended it, and no other regulations or rules can lead to life like it does. The Law of God has been followed across nations, cultures and generations, and has been shown to bring life, peace, comfort and strength to those who follow it. What other law does that?! 

How aggravating when people come against it, using persuasive words and delicious temptations to defile and devalue the Word of God (v53). They abandon God’s rules and forget the songs, and how inviting it can seem for you to do the same. To choose a different path of life, different songs to sing, different ‘new’ rules to follow. Yet, can these new influences and desires really bring comfort, strength, or joy? Is it not the ‘rules from of old’ that bring consistent comfort, security, hope and joy? The ancient way that has been tested through the generations, through thousands of years that has led to providing a hope and future for nations and millions of people, surely it makes sense to follow that way rather than anything temporal and untested?

Instead of being tempted to follow the ways of others, of bending with cultural norms, remember God’s Word. Do not allow the persuasive or inviting ways of others sway you, but stand firm with the Word of God that has remained steadfast since the beginning of time. Read, listen to and apply Scripture to your life as it has been giving people freedom and life from ancient days, and it can do the same for you. No other way will provide peace, comfort or joy like God’s Word does.

Psalm 119:56-64 (ESV): 

Heth

 57  The Lord is my portion; 

I promise to keep your words. 

 58  I entreat your favour with all my heart; 

be gracious to me according to your promise. 

 59  When I think on my ways, 

I turn my feet to your testimonies; 

 60  I hasten and do not delay 

to keep your commandments. 

 61  Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, 

I do not forget your law. 

 62  At midnight I rise to praise you, 

because of your righteous rules. 

 63  I am a companion of all who fear you, 

of those who keep your precepts. 

 64  The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; 

teach me your statutes! 

How committed are you to keeping God’s Word? Do you ‘think on my ways’, to ensure that you are heading in the right direction? This writer takes time to reflect on their behaviour and choices, and is honest enough to admit that they ‘turn my feet to your testimonies’. It is good to consider the direction you are going in often. Then it is as easy as changing the angle of your feet to re-align with God’s ways. Slightly adjusting your path to ensure that you don’t wander off-track and become far from God is easier than carrying on, and finding yourself lost with a lot of ground to cover. 

God’s Word is a marvellous guide, are you making sure you follow it, adjusting your direction as you go? Why not take a few moments to think upon your ways (v59). Consider - are your thoughts and your feet aligned to the path God wants you to tread? It is easy to get lost or take a wrong turn when you are not checking the directions, so grab hold of the Word of God and ask the Lord to lead you.

Why live God's way?

 Psalm 119:33–40 (ESV): 

He

 33  Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; 

and I will keep it to the end. 

 34  Give me understanding, that I may keep your law 

and observe it with my whole heart. 

 35  Lead me in the path of your commandments, 

for I delight in it. 

 36  Incline my heart to your testimonies, 

and not to selfish gain! 

 37  Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; 

and give me life in your ways. 

 38  Confirm to your servant your promise, 

that you may be feared. 

 39  Turn away the reproach that I dread, 

for your rules are good. 

 40  Behold, I long for your precepts; 

in your righteousness give me life! 

Allow God to teach you. Do not get distracted by the things of this world, but hold firm to the Word of God. Determine to see God’s commands as good, even when they are difficult. For He is a good parent, He gives boundaries and instructions so that you you can live a good, godly and healthy life. 

The rules of parents do not always make sense to their children, but when the children obey them, they grow well. When they do not, there is fear, anger, relationship breakdown and a life lived outside the safety of the family. Therefore, rather than trying to see what you can get away with, or ignoring some of the rules because they seem old, boring or not in line with cultural expectations, ask God to teach you. Remind yourself that God is the best parent, and that as His child you may not understand all that He expects of you. Then ask Him to ‘give me understanding that i may keep your law’ and ‘lead me in the path of your commandments, for i delight in it’. being happy learning about instructions is difficult to do! Yet, you can ask God for help, and through learning more about God and His character, you will see more clearly that He loves you and wants the best for you. The you can come to love His ways and His instructions. 

Following God can become joyful when you look at the big picture. God gives you promises (v38), He turns away reproach (v39), and He gives you life now and for eternity (v40). If these are the consequences of obedience to Him, surely it is worth it!

Psalm 119:40–48 (ESV): 

Waw

 41  Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, 

your salvation according to your promise; 

 42  then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, 

for I trust in your word. 

 43  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, 

for my hope is in your rules. 

 44  I will keep your law continually, 

forever and ever, 

 45  and I shall walk in a wide place, 

for I have sought your precepts. 

 46  I will also speak of your testimonies before kings 

and shall not be put to shame, 

 47  for I find my delight in your commandments, 

which I love. 

 48  I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, 

and I will meditate on your statutes. 

Reading the Bible shows you that you are loved. God’s testimonies, His rules, the history of His people - all of these can reveal to you the vastness, beauty and reality of God’s love for you. He has ensured that you can read and hear about His character, goodness, battles, care and power through His Word. He has made sure all of this is written down because He wants to reveal His love to you. God's love is not fickle or minute, but steadfast and everlasting. Therefore read the Bible and discover the love of God!

This revelation of how God loves you should fill you with such joy and passion that you determine to ‘keep your law continually’. Whether you are in ‘a wide place’, speaking ‘before kings’ or in front ‘of him who taunts me’, God loves you and is with you. Therefore you can courageously speak and stand on the truth, no matter where you are, or who you are with. 

Does the environment you are in, or the people you are with effect your behaviour and topics of conversation? Do you acknowledge and love God in every place and in front of every person? Your love and obedience to God should not be hidden or changeable. Instead, the love of God should be your guiding force in life, not the love of anything or anyone else. 

Desire to lead a life pleasing to Him and you will have love, joy and peace, even when before kings and enemies.

The Word of wondrous things

 Psalm 119:17–24(ESV): 

Gimel

 17  Deal bountifully with your servant, 

that I may live and keep your word. 

 18  Open my eyes, that I may behold 

wondrous things out of your law. 

 19  I am a sojourner on the earth; 

hide not your commandments from me! 

 20  My soul is consumed with longing 

for your rules at all times. 

 21  You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, 

who wander from your commandments. 

 22  Take away from me scorn and contempt, 

for I have kept your testimonies. 

 23  Even though princes sit plotting against me, 

your servant will meditate on your statutes. 

 24  Your testimonies are my delight; 

they are my counsellors. 

Does reading the Bible give you fresh revelation, comfort, wonder? Do you expect it to? 

This psalmist expects and desires to see ‘wondrous things’ when they read scripture. For The Word of God is precious and beautiful, and it can reveal new and incredible things when you study it. God’s word can inspire, strengthen, challenge, comfort and delight you. It can also build a sense of awe for who God is, and what He has done. If you struggle to see this, then pray, ‘open my eyes that i may behold wondrous things out of your law’. Who knows what new things you will notice, and what joy you will receive when you approach the Bible expecting and waiting for God to speak to you.

This wonderful Word of God that we have access to is written for you. It shows a life and a kingdom that is to come, and how to navigate this season where you are ‘a sojourner on the earth’. You were not created to belong here, but to be a citizen of God’s realm. So whilst you wait to join Him for eternity, read His Word so that you can live well here, in preparation for what is to come. Although this life may seem arduous and long at times, eternity is longer! So learn to live as a ‘sojourner’, a traveller, someone that is just passing through this place, as your eternal home is with God for eternity, not here on Earth. You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God, so you need to know how to live like one. Do not rely on anyone else to show you how to do it, whether they are good people, great people or influential people. Even princes and those in power don’t have it all figured out, nor do friends or coworkers, they are struggling to live beyond this life too. Instead allow God’s Word to counsel you, guard you and guide you. Ask God to make clear His words and instructions that you may live well in this temporary accommodation with respect and honour, whilst you await your eternal, permanent home. 

Psalm 119:25–32 (ESV)

Daleth

 25  My soul clings to the dust; 

give me life according to your word! 

 26  When I told of my ways, you answered me; 

teach me your statutes! 

 27  Make me understand the way of your precepts, 

and I will meditate on your wondrous works. 

 28  My soul melts away for sorrow; 

strengthen me according to your word! 

 29  Put false ways far from me 

and graciously teach me your law! 

 30  I have chosen the way of faithfulness; 

I set your rules before me. 

 31  I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; 

let me not be put to shame! 

 32  I will run in the way of your commandments 

when you enlarge my heart! 

‘when i told you of my ways, you answered me’. How beautiful to know that God is not distant or ignorant, but He leans in, listens, and answers! The fact that the writer has told God what he has done indicates that they have made mistakes (v26). They have got it wrong on their pursuit of living a life pleasing to God and confessed to Him their sin. God responded and their reply was ‘teach me your statutes’. What a wonderful response to getting it wrong! Instead of floundering in sin or being overcome with shame, this person approached God, was restored by Him and then desired greater understanding of Scripture. Through pondering on their ways, this person realised that the root cause of their error was that they did not know or understand of the Word of God. Therefore, the answer to avoid sin is to ask God to ‘make me understand the way of your precepts’. Sometimes you may not know why God says to do or not to do something, so ask God to help you understand and ask Him to reveal how to apply Scripture to your life. 

It is not easy, but being a faithful follower of God. It requires obedience and that you humble yourself before Him. Acknowledging that He does in fact know best, even when it is hard to understand, and your heart yearns for something else can be painfully difficult. Therefore, like the psalmist, ask God to enlarge your heart so that you feel the same as God does about sin and situations. God can guide you, help you and change your desires when you invite Him to. Turning away from sin and learning to ‘run in the way of your commandments’ is difficult when you try to do it on your own. However, you have the ear of the author of the Bible. So, you have the great privilege of being able to talk to Him, ask Him how to apply His Word to your life. He alone will save you from sin and can enlarge your heart to care for the things He does. He doesn’t want you to keep clinging to the dust in despair. You can trust in His love and faithfulness to rescue and restore you. His Word is full of wondrous things - are you seeing them?