The 119thPsalm offers some wonderful, timely, and practical lessons for daily Christian living, nearly all of which are rooted in the power and glory of God’s word. Let us consider a few.
Psalm 119:63
In the world of texting and instant messages, a “BFF” is a “best friend forever.” Friends are a wonderful blessing from our God. The best friends that I have in this world are those who want to spend eternity in the same place I do. When it comes to my closest associates, I want to be able to make the words of the psalmist my own, “I am a companion of all who fear you, and of those who keep your precepts (119:63).
And I want to be that kind of friend to others, too. “Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, because I have hoped in Your word” (119:74). I always want to live in a way that when faithful brethren see me coming, they smile.
Psalm 119:67
It’s hard to practice what James preached in James 1:2, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” But if, after having time for sober reflection, you realize that the hardship brought you closer to God, you may find it easy to echo the psalmist’s words, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word” (119:67). “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes” (119:71).
If you are currently in one of life’s valleys, look diligently for the way(s) in which this difficulty can strengthen your relationship with God. Ask Him to help you find it.
Psalm 119:89-91
“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides. They continue this day according to Your ordinances, for all are your servants.”
With so much in constant flux around us (e.g., popular fads, political platforms, philosophies), the immutability of God and His word is a source of great comfort. I’m so thankful that I don’t have to worry about waking up tomorrow and finding that God has become fickle and capricious. I love the words to the old Henry F. Lyte hymn, “Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me!”
Psalm 119:92-93
“Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life.”
As I look back on my struggles, stresses, and afflictions, they are certainly light when compared to others. But at the same time, they were very real and difficult for me. My father’s death. My battles with burnout and depression. The apostasy of family and friends.
In all these things, the immovable Rock has been my God. The more familiar I became with His word during those times, the calmer became my spirit. Yes, our afflictions will overwhelm us if we do not anchor ourselves to God’s word. Will you make time to study it today?