Sunday 6 January, 2019

121 I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. 123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. 124 Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. 125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. 126 It is time for you to act, Lord; your law is being broken. 127 Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, 128 and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. 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. 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.

I have read somewhere that if we read a verse of Ps 119 each day & meditate on it through the day we will have read through the Psalm just twice in a year. The theme of this entire psalm is the value of scripture to & in our lives. Promise, decrees, statues, law, commands, precepts, word, all point to the desire of the Psalmist to honour God & to live righteously as he serves Him. This should be our heart also especially as we now know that Jesus is the Word Jn 1:1-2 & 1Jn 1:1-2.

Verse 144 sums this up for me .. “the way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.” (Msge)

Lord my desire is to live to the fullest; your word is the only key to be fully able to do this. Jesus help my heart to keep your word at its centre, always. Amen

Written by Suzie Hodgson