Psalm 119.9-11
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
The effectiveness of the followers of Christ, as well as the effectiveness of the church, requires a deep commitment to knowing and doing the Word of God. A life that glorifies God is a life lived in obedience to his Word.
The entirety of Psalm 119 is about the Word of God in the life of God’s people. Here are some excerpts:
Focus on the word and delight in it.
“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word … for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.” (Psalm 119, 15-16, 47)
Ask the Lord to enlighten you and give you insight into his word.
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law … Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart … Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.” (Psalm 119.18, 34, 144)
Meditate and reflect on the word daily.
“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119.97)
Let the Word enlighten you and direct your life.
“When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies … Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119.59, 105)
Treasure the word above all things.
“Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.” (Psalm 119.127)
Fully embrace the Word as truth. Obey it’s commands. Not just some of it; all of it.
“I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments … The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (Psalm 119.60, 160)
God has given us his word, the sword of the Spirit that gives us victory against the enemy. It is our responsibility to study and obey the word; to write it on our hearts; to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly so that his truth guides the way we live and work.
The Lord is calling.
