Psalms Reading – 4.23.2022
Psalm 119:129-152
פ Pe
129 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may obey your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.
צ Tsadhe
137 You are righteous, Lord, and your laws are right.
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.
139 My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
141 Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.
144 Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.
ק Qoph
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord, and I will obey your decrees.
146 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, Lord, and all your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.
Yesterday we investigated the psalmist’s heart towards God’s word and anything opposed to it. Today, let’s look again at how the psalmist interacts with God’s word. Since we found that he says he loves Scripture, what is the proof that is true according to how he responds to it?
In verses 129-136, he tells us that he obeys them, he longs to hear them, he prays that God will direct his steps so that sin will not rule his life, he asks to be taught them, and he weeps because they are not being obeyed by others.
To love God and His word will cause us to act upon His message in a variety of ways. As the author of Hebrews tells us God’s word is full of life, and we open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit who does spiritual surgery within us by the scalpel of God’s holy word.
Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Memory Verse: Psalm 119:11, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Question(s) to Consider: In the other two stanzas, what do you find to be the psalmist’s response and interaction with God’s word. Do you respond in the same way? If not, what will you do?