Wednesday, September 11 – Psalm 119:129-176

1. What other way does the psalmist say that God’s Word is light? Psalm 119:130

2. What did disobedience cause the psalmist? Psalm 119:136

3. At what time of day did the psalmist cry out to God? Psalm 119:147

As we know, the central theme of Psalm 119 is the author’s testimony regarding his relationship with God’s law. In almost every verse, one of these words is mentioned: “law,” “commandment,” “statute,” “testimony,” “word,” or “judgment” to refer to God’s law, which we understand encompasses more than just the Ten Commandments.

The entire psalm revolves around this central theme. The ideas are not sequentially ordered because the psalm is written as an acrostic, meaning the order is determined by the Hebrew alphabet rather than by the ideas themselves.
Here are some key insights from today’s portion:

1. “The entrance of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.” (verse 130)
God’s Word brings light to the mind. It is a source of wisdom for all who seek it, regardless of their level of understanding. Even those who are simple in knowledge can gain profound insights through the illumination provided by God’s Word.

2. “Direct my steps by Your word,
And let no iniquity have dominion over me.” (verse 133)
God’s Word enlightens us and transforms our thinking and behavior. It orders our steps, guiding us away from sin. We cannot achieve this transformation on our own; it is God’s work in us as we yield to His guidance.

3. “Rivers of water run down from my eyes,
Because men do not keep Your law.” (verse 136)
David expresses deep sorrow over his disobedience. The consequences of ignoring God’s law lead to suffering and heartbreak. Think of the tears shed by those whose lives are torn apart by addiction, broken families, or the consequences of sinful behavior. David’s tears reflect the grief from the devastation caused by turning away from God’s commandments.

4. “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth.” (verse 142)
God’s law is not merely a set of rules but a reflection of His eternal character. His righteousness is everlasting, and His law stands as the ultimate truth. While sin distorts and obscures truth, God’s principles remain unchanged. They have always governed the universe, except for this brief period of rebellion in this world brought about by sin.

5. “Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.” (verse 165)
Loving God’s commandments shields us from the traps and pitfalls of sin. By aligning our lives with His law, we experience a deep and abiding peace that remains unshaken even under challenging circumstances. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of wholeness and well-being from walking in harmony with God’s will.

6. “I long for Your salvation, O Lord,
And Your law is my delight.” (verse 174)
The psalmist expresses his longing for God’s salvation and finds joy in obedience to His law. Following God’s Word is not a burden but a delight. It is the path we walk when we accept salvation.

“But notice here that obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love. The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation of His government in heaven and earth. If our hearts are renewed in the likeness of God, if the divine love is implanted in the soul, will not the law of God be carried out in the life? When the principle of love is implanted in the heart, when man is renewed after the image of Him that created him, the new-covenant promise is fulfilled, “I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” Hebrews 10:16. And if the law is written in the heart, will it not shape the life? Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship. Thus the Scripture says, “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 5:3; 2:4. Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience.” (Steps to Christ, p. 61)

May this be your experience today and every day.