Psalms 119: 97-160

Psalms 119: 97-160

Words, per the scriptures, contain life and death.  They hold so much power, yet we use them so loosely.  Why is that?

I had a practice, when I was doing daily devotionals, that whichever verse they used, I would read the whole chapter.  I dreaded the mornings the verse would come from Psalm 119 😊.  It has a lot of words, but, in my opinion, some are to show me what not to do, and some provide examples of what to do! 

I came with 7 siblings.  I was #7 of 8, so with 6 older brothers and sisters, I could watch and see what pushed my parent’s buttons, and I did my best to stay clear of their buttons. God has buttons too: having other gods, hating, judging others, haughtiness, lying, stealing, murder, adultery, and gossiping. The list could go on and on.

If I said those who follow after God never have trials and tribulations, it would be a total lie.  Even if I try to follow God’s way to the letter, I could never achieve that.  I will never be “worthy” except by the blood of Jesus.  I have to wait for God’s timing, for He knows what is better, and He knows when and where to step into my situations. My comfort is God’s word.

Oh, how I love all you’ve revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long. Your commands give me an edge on my enemies, they never become obsolete.  (Psalms 119: 97-98 The Message)

I dislike when others use the words:  all, never, always, nobody or everybody.  Nothing fits into these categories.  So, when someone says “I reverently ponder it all the day long” my mind automatically says: ‘there is no way that’s possible!’.  That is because I am basing my judgment on what I am capable of doing. But the truth is, there may be those who can do it, but because I can’t, it becomes a red flag.  Do you see how I became judgmental so quickly, over something so trivial? When I say never or always, there is a good chance eventually I will break my word.  But if God says ‘I will always be with you’, or ‘I will never forsake you” or ‘my love for you is eternal”, we can trust that He will never break His promises. God never lies.  God’s Word, and, God’s words are truth, all else needs to be weighed against them.

By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order.  Everything’s falling apart on me, God: put me together again with your Word. Festoon me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your Holy Rules. (Psalms 119: 105-108 The Message)

Festoon is a beautiful word picture.  It means to be surrounded in a chain or garland of flowers, leaves or ribbons.  I need to remember that I can wear a necklace of God’s words to bring me peace and comfort—such as Psalm 57:1 NLT: Have mercy on me O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. These words bring me comfort, safety and security, no matter what situations I may walk through! To me there is no safer place to be but under the shadow of God’s wings.

You are right and you do right, God; your decisions are right on target.  You rightly instruct us in how to live ever faithful to you.  My rivals nearly did me in, they persistently ignored your commandments.  Your promise has been tested through and through, and I, your servant, love it dearly. I’m too young to be important, but I don’t forget what you tell me.  Your righteousness is eternally right, your revelations is the only truth. Even though troubles come down on me hard, your commands always give me delight.  The way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest. (Psalms 119: 137-144 The Message)

Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth. Your righteous decisions are eternal.  (Psalms 119: 160 The Message)

Because God is long-suffering, patient, slow to become angry, and rich in love, I can trust in His truth and wait patiently, (even if I don’t like it, or want to), I can, wait for His timing!  So, if I cry out to Him, or stay awake all night praying, I can be confident that help is on the way, but in His time frame, not mine, for He knows what is best for me at all times. 

Father God, thank you that your mercies run into the billions. Help me to understand Your ways, so that I can live to the fullest. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!!

Carol (carolvorwe)