Read
121I did what was fair and right!
Don't hand me over to those
who want to mistreat me.
122Take good care of me,
your servant,
and don't let me be harmed
by those conceited people.
123My eyes are weary from waiting
to see you keep your promise
to come and save me.
124Show your love for me,
your servant,
and teach me your laws.
125I serve you,
so let me understand
your teachings.
126Do something, Lord!
They have broken your Law.
127Your laws mean more to me
than the finest gold.
128I follow all your commands,
but I hate anyone
who leads me astray.
129Your teachings are wonderful,
and I respect them all.
130Understanding your word
brings light to the minds
of ordinary people.
131I honestly want to know
everything you teach.
132Think about me and be kind,
just as you are to everyone
who loves your name.
133Keep your promise
and don't let me stumble
or let sin control my life.
134Protect me from abuse,
so I can obey your laws.
135Smile on me, your servant,
and teach me your laws.
136When anyone disobeys you,
my eyes overflow with tears.
137Our Lord, you always do right,
and your decisions are fair.
138All your teachings are true
and trustworthy.
139It upsets me greatly
when my enemies neglect
your teachings.
140Your word to me, your servant,
is like pure gold;
I treasure what you say.
141Everyone calls me a nobody,
but I remember your laws.
142You will always do right,
and your teachings are true.
143I am in deep distress,
but I love your teachings.
144Your rules are always fair.
Help me to understand them
and live.
Reflect
It was a bright sunny day when a wind surfing instructor stood teaching eight young and enthusiastic 25-year old students. They listened, but after ten minutes of instruction seven left for the lake. They were confident they had heard enough, though the instructor was not yet finished.
I was watching this and noticed the only one left listening was my young husband. I watched also while the seven went out onto the water and were falling into the lake left, right and center. After half an hour of falling over and over, getting no sailing done, they came back and put the boards away. My husband Bill passed them, with his board in hand, now ready.
He went out onto the water and sailed like a pro. The other seven stood watching in amazement.
This portion of Psalm 119 reminds us of the value of not just knowing what God is asking us, but on living his instructions out. We cannot live out what we have not heard.
We are wise when we take the time to sit under the instruction of God’s Word, remember it and live it out.
James 1:22-24 reminds us that we need to be “doers of the word and not merely hearers.” To live this day it requires the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through us like an open tap!
Respond
Heavenly Father, We praise you for the instruction of your Word. We praise you for your Holy Spirit that fills us, enabling us to carry out your instruction. Father, may I be found faithfully living out your instruction in every situation of this day. Amen.
Donna Dyck
Donna and her husband Bill are parents of 4 adult children and have 9 grandchildren. They have been pastoring at Toronto Alliance church for 28 years. Donna has written 2 books, Confessions of a Not So Average Girl and Confessions of an Unlikely Pastors wife. She has spoken at many conferences, seminars, and events over the years. She and her husband have just written a Devotional called Hope for an Unwanted Journey which will be published soon and is for parents, especially those who are walking through the valley of addiction or mental illness with their loved ones.