Instruction
Scripture: Psalm 119:9-16
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and the longest chapter in
the Bible. Each section is made up of eight verses which begin with the same
letter, and there is a section for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The
central theme of the psalm is love for God’s Law which permeates every aspect
of the psalmist’s life. Verses 9-16 make up the second section of the psalm and
it seems to focus on the protective nature of God’s Law; that it keeps us from
sin. As the psalmist declares his devotion to God’s Law, it shows us a godly
response to God’s Word that we would keep in our hearts and minds so that it
guides our actions as God’s people.
Teaching
From the very beginning the psalm deals with the issue of
how a person can live a pure life. The psalmist’s immediate answer is that it
is God’s Word that guards as well as guides us. He knows that he is always in
danger of wandering from God’s commandments and falling into sin, so he focuses
on ways that God’s Word can be present in his life – memorization, meditation,
speaking, studying, listening.
To understand this psalm rightly we have to remember that
the psalmist is already a believer; already saved by God’s grace. These are
words of faith, not a plan to earn salvation or to gain God’s favor. This is
the prayer of one who believes and longs to draw closer to God because of His
love for him.
Life
How do you keep your way pure? What we are talking about
here is how we live in a way that shows our faith in Jesus and the salvation He
has given us. We long to imitate Jesus, to be like Him in our actions, and to
have our priorities match His because this is a good and right response to
being loved by Him.
God has given us His Word for two purposes: to declare the
salvation we rejoice in, and to show us His desire for how we are to live. The
Law, as the psalmist talks about it, is a guide for us that directs us to live
rightly. As we spend time reading this Word, God is declaring His salvation to
us, creating faith in us, and guiding us to live lives that are steeped in His
Word and the power He has placed there.
Prayer
O God, we love Your Word that tells us of Your love and
salvation, and we love Your Word that teaches us to live pure lives. You guard
us with Your Word from sin and false teachings. In Your love You teach us Your
statutes so that we may declare Your Word, delight in it, meditate on it, and
be guided by it.
Thank You for Your Word, O Lord. Thank You for the Gospel
that tells us of the forgiveness You have given to us in Christ, and for the
Law that guides us to live as Your people. Thank You for giving us that Word in
writing so we may return to it over and over again, meditate upon it, and hide
it in our hearts.
Forgive us for our neglect of Your Word. Forgive us for not
desiring the pure way You desire us to live. Forgive us for seeking You in
half-hearted ways and for wandering from Your commandments. Forgive us for not
storing up Your Word in our hearts, but assuming we will always have access to
it if we want it. Forgive us for the times that we hate Your Law.
Change our hearts, Father, by the power of Your Spirit, Who
works through the Your Word. Strengthen our faith to turn our hearts and minds
to You, and help us love and desire Your every Word. Amen.
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