Read
97I deeply love your Law!
I think about it all day.
98Your laws never leave my mind,
and they make me much wiser
than my enemies.
99Thinking about your teachings
gives me better understanding
than my teachers,
100and obeying your laws
makes me wiser than those
who have lived a long time.
101I obey your word
instead of following a way
that leads to trouble.
102You have been my teacher,
and I won't reject
your instructions.
103Your teachings are sweeter
than honey.
104They give me understanding
and make me hate all lies.
105Your word is a lamp
that gives light
wherever I walk.
106Your laws are fair,
and I have given my word
to respect them all.
107I am in terrible pain!
Save me, Lord,
as you have promised.
108Accept my offerings of praise
and teach me your laws.
109I never forget your teachings,
although my life is always
in danger.
110Some merciless people
are trying to trap me,
but I never turn my back
on your teachings.
111They will always be
my most prized possession
and my source of joy.
112I have made up my mind
to obey your laws forever,
no matter what.
113I hate anyone
whose loyalty is divided,
but I love your Law.
114You are my place of safety
and my shield.
Your word is my only hope.
115All you worthless people,
get away from me!
I am determined to obey
the commands of my God.
116Be true to your word, Lord.
Keep me alive and strong;
don't let me be ashamed
because of my hope.
117Keep me safe and secure,
so that I will always
respect your laws.
118You reject all deceitful liars
because they refuse
your teachings.
119As far as you are concerned,
evil people are garbage,
and so I follow your rules.
120I tremble all over
when I think of you
and the way you judge.
Reflect
We all walk through seasons of our life which are stormy. We understand how the disciples may have felt in Matthew 8:23-27. While they were at sea a fierce storm rose and they were panicked. Fear gripped their hearts, though Jesus was right there! They thought he was not paying attention.
The writer in this portion of Psalm 119:97-120, while acknowledging his great love for the Word of God, is suffering terribly. He calls out to God to remember and fulfill the promises made to him. He knows he is living his life according to the commands God had given him. He also confesses that God’s word is to him a life giving source with an outcome in wise living.
Perhaps the suffering and challenges you are facing are very difficult and painful. We are wise to call out to God who is near to us. The Scriptures tell us in Psalm 34:18 that God is” near to the brokenhearted and the afflicted”.
In Luke 4:18 we hear the words of Christ as he declares the purpose for his coming: he came to “bind up the broken hearted.”
We can take much comfort in the knowledge that the One who loves us more then we can comprehend is nearby us when we find ourselves in deep waters. As we call to him he hears us. He may not act as quickly as we feel he should, but he will hear and give us wisdom.
Respond
Father God, I praise you for your constant presence and for each promise you have given to us. I ask that today you would be my very present help in times of trouble. Grant me wisdom each step of the way. 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.