THE WAY OF FAITHFULNESS
Opening Prayer
God, please give me the grace to keep going, even when things get tough.
Read Psalm 119:25–48
ד
Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
ה He
33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.[a]
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.[b]
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.
ו Waw
41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands
because I love them.
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
that I may meditate on your decrees.
Footnotes
- Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward
- Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What challenges are you facing in your life right now?Although there is no background story to Psalm 119, when we read between the lines a picture does emerge of how the writer finds resources in God’s Word to deal with various challenges. In these three stanzas we see how Scripture helps us to persevere when times are hard.
Strengthened by God’s Word (28). Here the writer says he is weary with sorrow, that he has been ‘laid low in the dust’ (25). He is not defeated, however, but instead prays to be strengthened according to God’s Word. The promises it contains fortify us in the trials of life.
Guided by God’s Word (35). Often we are perplexed and uncertain as to which way to go, but when we spend time in God’s Word we find He directs us in the right path. Often Scripture speaks directly to our situations, giving us the guidance we seek.
Trusting in God’s Word (42). Trust is an essential part of the life of faith. This means relying on the promises of God even when things are bleak. His Word is true, and eventually will come to pass, no matter how long it takes.
Apply
What has God said to you lately through His Word? What promises are undergirding your faith? Remember that ‘God is not human, that He should lie’ (Numbers 23:19). His Word can be trusted.
Closing prayer
Jesus, I want to trust You more, but I get scared and distracted. Teach me to fix my heart on You.
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