In The Word
Read Psalm 119:105-128
Nun.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
I have sworn and I will confirm it,
That I will keep Your righteous ordinances.
I am exceedingly afflicted;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your ordinances.
My life is continually in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts.
I have inherited Your testimonies forever,
For they are the joy of my heart.
I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even to the end.
Samekh.
I hate those who are double-minded,
But I love Your law.
You are my hiding place and my shield;
I wait for Your word.
Depart from me, evildoers,
That I may observe the commandments of my God.
Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
Uphold me that I may be safe,
That I may have regard for Your statutes continually.
You have rejected all those who wander from Your statutes,
For their deceitfulness is useless.
You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross;
Therefore I love Your testimonies.
My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.
Ayin.
I have done justice and righteousness;
Do not leave me to my oppressors.
Be surety for Your servant for good;
Do not let the arrogant oppress me.
My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation
And for Your righteous word.
Deal with Your servant according to Your lovingkindness
And teach me Your statutes.
I am Your servant; give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.
It is time for the Lord to act,
For they have broken Your law.
Therefore I love Your commandments
Above gold, yes, above fine gold.
Therefore I esteem right all Your precepts concerning everything,
I hate every false way.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
We understand that our lives are in the hands of God, but, in verse 109, we see that it is also in our hands as well. God has given us free will to operate from; the decisions we make which triggers His response. If more people understood how much say we have in our lives, I believe more people would make better decisions. Well, there is one sure-fire way to make better decisions: making them according to His Word. “God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119: 105). Before we head off in a direction, if we examined the path to see if it was right and permissible to God, we would avoid making big mistakes in our lives.
David says, “I love Your commandments above gold, yes, above fine gold.” Many people make wrong decisions that lead them down the wrong paths. They base their decisions on where they think they’re headed, instead of basing it on God’s Word. Here is an example: if we love money more than God’s Word, then we end up making wrong decisions that lead us down a path of compromise, pain, and maybe even death. But if we love God’s Word more than money, we are careful to follow truth, honesty, and diligence; we will end up with wealth accompanied by peace.
Our lives are greatly affected by the paths we choose. Today, God sets before us life or death (Deuteronomy 30:15). If we love and use His Word as our guide, we will choose wisely.