“Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you…
In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word…
Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law…
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works…
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end…
I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever…
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes…
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.” Psalm 119:1-11,14-16,18,27,30-33,44,48,92-93
The psalmist creatively describes the delights of God’s Word and his determination to know, revere, and abide by its principles. What was his song and light he described to others, that they too might experience blessedness. The Word cherished was life expressed.
Willingness to know and apply the Scriptures guards from falling to sin, prepares for rejection, emboldens testimony, and heightens praise. God’s word reminds of His love, satisfies longings, and fortifies faith. The will bent on the Lord and His ways is steadfast, upright, and calm. These truths are free for the taking, a balm to weary souls. (Psalm 119:42,46,61,101,104,165)
What affliction lingers? What temptation taunts? What regret, shame, or despair weighs heavy? What confusion hovers dark? Turn to the Word! Delight in the promises! Cling to the truths! Take hold of the hope and joy! Claim the unshakable love! (Psalm 119:66-72,74-77,97-99,130,133)
How will we know better, and implement willingness to abide by, God’s word? Begin by familiarizing ourselves with its facets and beauties, its scope and power. Meditate and memorize, be still in awe, and praise His grace and fullness. What practical steps will we take to well-try His promises and delight in His commands? How will we imbed God’s word into the fabric of our thinking, hours, and days? Only then are souls filled, and still. (Psalm 119:140,143,147-148,160,161b-162,163b,172,175)
“Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.” Psalm 119:111-112
Amen.
As the rain and snow 