A Book Like No Other
Opening Prayer
Ask God to help you receive what he wants to give you today, and to let go of everything else.
Read PSALM 119:73-96
[73]י Yodh Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. [74] May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. [75] I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. [76] May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. [77] Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. [78] May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. [79] May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. [80] May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. [81]כ Kaph My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. [82] My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” [83] Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. [84] How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? [85] The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. [86] All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. [87] They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. [88] Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth. [89]ל Lamedh Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. [90] Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. [91] Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. [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 preserved my life. [94] Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. [95] The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. [96] To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What do we learn about God's Word in this passage?The Bible is freely available in many parts of the world today. I would be surprised if you are sitting there without your own copy in hand. Would it be fair to say we sometimes take this precious volume for granted? The author of Psalm 119 has a passionate relationship with the Scriptures. In the verses we are looking at today, we see a dynamic interaction that leaves us in no doubt about the central role it plays in the writer’s life. He has put his hope in God’s word (74,81). He delights in God’s law (77). He remembers God’s decrees in desperate straits (83). He meditates upon God’s precepts (78) and obeys God’s statutes (88). He knows God’s word is relevant and lasting through all time (89). He views his circumstances through the lens of this book and is comforted by God’s love spoken to him in every syllable.
We are blessed to have such access to God’s revelation to humanity. Shall we resolve to treasure it, to meditate upon it, remember it, trust it, obey it, and through it to grow in our love for its author? Surely, it is a grand and glorious gift to us!
Apply
How is your appreciation for God’s Word evident? If it’s not what you want it to be, ask God’s help.
Closing prayer
Lord, thank You for the good gift of Your holy Word. Give me greater love for it and greater understanding of it.
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