Psalm 119:97-144

Psalm 119:97-144
The Glories of God's Law (cont'd)

97-104 The more I love God's law, the more I will immerse myself in it, and the wiser and more impervious to sin it will make me – which in turn will make his law even more pleasant to me.

• "Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long."
• It makes me wiser than my enemies and give me more understanding than my teachers and even the aged and keeps me from following evil.
• I hold to the words you have taught me; they are sweeter than honey.
• They give me understanding so that I hate false ways.

105-112 God's word determines the direction of my life and gives me hope and guidance in the face of opposition. Therefore I praise him, thank him, and set my heart to follow him the rest of my life.

• "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
• I have sworn and confirmed an oath to observe your ordinances; teach them to me and accept my praise. (106, 108)
• Give me life, O LORD, for I am afflicted, I hold my life in my hand, and the wicked lay traps for me, yet I do not stray from your word. (107, 109, 110)
• Your decrees are my heritage, the joy of my heart, and I set my heart to obey your statutes forever.

113-120 May I be single-minded in my devotion to God's word, knowing it will protect me from the temptation to follow the wrong path, which leads to God's condemnation.

• I hate vain thoughts, but I love your law, which hides and protects me and gives me hope.
• Go away, evil doers, that I may keep God's law, which upholds me and keeps me from shame.
• As I have regard for your statutes, hold me up and protect me, for I know you reject those who fall away from your law, whose worldly wisdom is false.
• I know how low the wicked are in your sight, therefore I tremble for fear of your judgments.

121-128 Because I have followed in your way, I hate false ways and long for the day when the lawless no longer get their way but are punished for their disobedience; help me to understand.

• I have done what is right; guarantee my well-being and don't let the godless oppress me.
• I've waited a long time for your salvation and the fulfillment of your promise; deal with me according to your love and teach me your law.
• As your servant, I need to understand and know your decrees; I want you to act, for your law has been broken.
• I love your commandments more than I love gold; your law directs my steps and causes me to hate every false way.

129-136 God's word gives me light and understanding, helping me to achieve balance in my life and keeping me from giving in to the world; therefore I will long for that guidance and be sorrowful when it is ignored - by me or by others.

• My soul keeps your wonderful decrees; they give light and impart understanding to the simple.
• I pant after your word, longing for your commandments; turn and be gracious to me as you are to all those who love your name.
• Keep my feet steady, protect me from being dominated by iniquity, save me from human oppression.
• Make your face shine upon me, for I weep when your law is not kept.

137-144 God's laws are made in righteousness, faithfulness and truth. They lift me up and fill me with joy as well as passionate fervor in their defense.

• As you are righteous, O LORD, so have you made your decrees in righteousness and faithfulness.
• I am consumed in zeal because my enemies forget your word. (See also Psalm 69:9 and John 2:17)
• Your servant loves your well-tried promise; though I am small and despised, I do not forget your everlasting, true and righteous precepts.
• Though I experience trouble and anguish, I delight in your commandments, for they are righteous forever and give me life as I understand them.