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Daily Bible Studywith SEEDS OF THE KINGDOM

Updated: Saturday, 22 November 2008, 12:06 (GMT)

17 August 2008 | Psalm 119:153-176

I have not forgotten your Law!
Look at the trouble I am in,
and rescue me.
Be my defender and protector!
Keep your promise
and save my life.

Evil people won't obey you,
and so they have no hope
of being saved.
You are merciful, LORD!
Please do the right thing
and save my life.

I have a lot of brutal enemies,
but still I never turn
from your laws.
All of those unfaithful people
who refuse to obey you
are disgusting to me.

Remember how I love your laws,
and show your love for me
by keeping me safe.
All you say can be trusted;
your teachings are true
and will last forever.

Rulers are cruel to me
for no reason.
But with all my heart
I respect your words,
because they bring happiness
like treasures taken in war.

I can't stand liars,
but I love your Law.
I praise you seven times a day
because your laws are fair.
You give peace of mind
to all who love your Law.
Nothing can make them fall.

You are my only hope
for being saved, LORD,
and I do all you command.
I love and obey your laws
with all my heart.
You know everything I do.
You know I respect every law
you have given.

Please, LORD, hear my prayer
and give me the understanding
that comes from your word.
Listen to my concerns
and keep me safe,
just as you have promised.

If you will teach me your laws,
I will praise you and sing
about your promise,
because all of your teachings
are what they ought to be.

Be ready to protect me
because I have chosen
to obey your laws.
I am waiting for you
to save me, LORD.

Your Law makes me happy.
Keep me alive,
so I can praise you,
and let me find help
in your teachings.

I am your servant,
but I have wandered away
like a lost sheep.
Please come after me,
because I have not forgotten
your teachings.

Notes

Here the psalmist appeals for help, based on his own track record of obedience and on what God has promised (v 154). The psalmist also intended his writing to teach others how to live well and know God.

The secret? A right engagement with God's Word: his laws, decrees, precepts, statutes and commands.

There is a difference between God's laws, which require obedience, and his promises, which require faith. Here God's Word is described as true, eternal and righteous, and the rewards of living according to it are well-being, peace and security (v 165).

So the psalmist says he loves God's Word, delights in it and has chosen it - but in the end even he acknowledges that he has strayed from it (v 176).

As New Testament theology argues, none of us can fully keep God's Law - and our righteousness is founded on what Jesus did for us. Nonetheless, it's challenging to compare our own attitude towards what God requires of us with that of the psalmist.

Do we seek out God's commands, his design for life and his promises? Do we love them when we find them and carefully apply them to our lives?

Prayer

'I sit and wait, does an angel contemplate my fate?'... Not really.
Take a moment to focus on God through prayer.

Today's Writer

The views expressed in the word on the web Bible studies may not reflect the editorial views of Christian Today.