Psalm 119
The season of celebration and gift-giving has past and the season of winter doldrums is fast approaching. But perhaps we can prevent the onset of the sluggishness of winter by unwrapping one of God’s gifts. God has given us His Word which is a gift we tend to leave on the shelf when we need it most. Did you know that the God of the Universe, Creator of all things, the All-Powerful and All-Knowing One wants you to know Him and He has made it possible through the gifts of His Son and His Word? Psalm 119 is a reflection on the gift of God’s Word. The Psalmist marvels at the goodness of God’s instructions, the righteousness of God’s way and the justice of God’s judgments in the context of a broken and fallen world. For the Psalmist God’s Word is a source of joy, comfort and delight. It is the foundation of his life. Perhaps his perspective of God’s Word can help mold our own and provide inspiration for further unwrapping of this precious gift. Join me for the next twenty-three days by reading just 8 verses a day from Psalm 119 and reflecting on the amazing gift that is God’s Word.
Day 1 - Psalm 119:1-8
Integrity is a blessing. A person of integrity has nothing to hide, nothing to fear and no need to feel ashamed. Such a person is truly free!
Day 2 - Psalm 119:9-16
The Word is worth treasuring. It is worth talking about and celebrating. It is worth putting into practice.
Day 3 - Psalm 119:17-24
I need God’s instruction. Without it I would flounder through life. I need to know what God is saying so I can find my way.
Day 4 - Psalm 119:25-32
When I am overcome with grief I find hope in God’s Word. I cling to it for life. As I encounter the Source of Life in the Word, I find strength.
Day 5 - Psalm 119:33-40
May God’s Word take priority in m y life. May following my Lord’s instructions be more important than the world’s enticements. May I find life in His Word.
Day 6 - Psalm 119:41-48
I can confidently stand because I have obeyed your word. I do not need to hide or fear what others might say. I trust you, Lord, and I trust your words.
Day 7 - Psalm 119:49-56
Your Word is the hope that I cling to when life gets hard. Your promises are the anchor of my soul when I am in anguish. Your Word is the content of my song when I sing.
Day 8 - Psalm 119:57-64
Take time to evaluate your life. Are you living in a way that is consistent with God’s ways? Be quick to make the necessary corrections to return to righteousness.
Day 9 - Psalm 119:65-72
Trying times cause us to move and to change. Frustrating moments and rocky circumstances remind us that we need God. They turn our attention back to Him as our source of strength, grace, patience, peace and joy.
Day 10 - Psalm 119:73-80
God knows us so well that he knows the best way to teach us what he wants us to know. Let’s celebrate when we learn the lesson, believe the promise, obey the command or trust in faith. We are learning to follow our Lord.
Day 11 - Psalm 119:81-88
Sometimes it seems like the promises of God that I’m clinging to will never be fulfilled. I’m trying to be patient but I’ve been waiting a long time. Even so, I know that God is faithful so I will continue to wait.
Day 12 - Psalm 119:89-96
God’s Word is an anchor for my soul because it is eternal. It is the word of a faithful God. I may be tossed about by waves but He is not and neither is his Word.
Day 13 - Psalm 119:97-104
Savour God’s Word. It is wisdom for each circumstance, hope for the lost, comfort for the hurting, peace for the restless, life for the dying, training for the student, encouragement for the discouraged, and instruction for today. It is God speaking to you. Hear His voice.