Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Psalm 119-5 (vv65-80)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Teth – Confidence in God’s Word­

65 You have dealt well with your servant,
  O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
  for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
  but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
  teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
  but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
  but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
  that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
  than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh – God’s Word as an Object of Hope­

73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
  give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
  because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
  and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
  according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
  for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
  because they have wronged me with falsehood;
  as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
  that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
  that I may not be put to shame!

 

Reflection

• Sometimes we have to experience the painful consequences of bad choices in order to better understand the joy that comes with living according to God’s Word. Like a child who gets burned by touching a hot stove after repeated warnings from a parent, we too sometimes have to experience the hurt that comes from going astray (v. 67). But, even though it may take time, once we learn the lesson we can often look back on the experience and say it was good. And we learned a lesson more valuable than money (vs. 71-72).
• What are some valuable lessons you’ve learned from decisions made in the past – good and bad decisions?
• In verses 74 and 78, the writer prays that those who honor God would turn to him (the writer) and: (1) rejoice because he has put his hope in God’s Word (2) know God’s testimonies. He seems to be asking God to let others look upon him and have hope in God because God’s word is alive and active in his life. Can others see God at work in your life?
• Do you consider yourself to be a role model for others to follow?
• Ask God to help you let his words be alive and active in your life. Help you be examples for others to follow, for others to have reasons to hope in God.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm