Doing the Word!
Opening Prayer
Lord, I praise You for Your Word. May it be my sure guide in my life today and each day onward.
Read PSALM 119:97-112
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[97]מ Mem Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. [98] Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. [99] I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. [100] I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. [101] I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. [102] I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. [103] How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! [104] I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. [105]נ Nun Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. [106] I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. [107] I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word. [108] Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. [109] Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. [110] The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. [111] Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. [112] My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. 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 benefits of God’s Word do you see here?This is all about being doers, not hearers, of the law (Jas. 1:22). Whether he is writing about his innermost feelings (97) or about what he plans to do today (106), we can sense this godly person intently focusing upon these laws as the practical daily basis for living. The law is definitely not a dusty reference book; instead, perhaps strangely to us, laws seem to occupy a central, vital place for this psalmist. His altogether positive attitude is a far cry from both a rebellious spirit and grumpy acceptance, the two most common responses to “the law” in our modern world.
There’s more, however. The psalmist is not only positive, he is passionate about God’s laws. Apparently, he feels about lists of regulations as we might feel about glorious Christian music, or worship in a great cathedral. Agreed, we ought to obey God’s laws, but are we missing something?
Perhaps we should learn two things: first, true law and order are privileges to be celebrated and appreciated, not taken for granted. Second, devoted obedience to God in every detail is the way to an intimate relationship with him.
Apply
How does your attitude toward God’s laws and rules compare with that of the psalmist?
Closing prayer
Loving Lord, I thank You for the gift of Your Word and its laws. I know they are gifts of love intended to bless me.
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