God's word

The Word

Consider this. Without the gift of God’s grace in the believer’s life, there would be no chance of understanding God’s Word. Intellectual understanding is far different than heart understanding which is only enlightened by God. Remember what Solomon prayed for when asked by God what he most desired?

Psalm 119:169-171

We are nearing the end of our study in Psalm 119 as we begin the first verse of our last section of eight! As you scroll through this Psalm from the beginning, jot down some key descriptions of God’s Word and its power in our lives. For instance, in verse one and two, as we keep God’s Word (the law of the Lord, His testimonies) we will be blameless and blessed; verse three – we will be righteous. Your list may look something like this:

God’s Word - keeps His children blameless

causes His children to be blessed

the key to righteousness

In Psalm 119:4 we read God’s word is ordained meaning it is appointed, or set in order; it is purposed.

As we move forward through our last section of verses, David’s need for God and his trust in Him continues to be the focus.

Ps 119:169 Let my cry come before Thee, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Thy word.

David cries – a shout of joy or grief, a proclamation, rejoicing and triumph;

Before the Lord – to approach for whatever purpose, to draw near.

The Psalmist cries before God. The intensity of his supplication speaks of his humility before God. He pleads for almighty God to hear his humble request. David would not be able to do this effectively without having a relationship with God. This cannot go unnoticed because it is so imperative to our own relationship with God. First, is it apparent – do we know God as our Father who appropriated His only Son to die for our sin and rise from the dead so that we can have a relationship with God? Second, is this relationship manifest in our life? We must begin here, at the cross in order to relate the truths of God’s word to our life. Without this relationship, we cannot have understanding.

Because of David’s relationship with God, he cries to Him for understanding. This understanding is different from the intellect in the world. It enables a believer to distinguish what is right and wrong – according to God’s Word. This understanding comes directly from God’s written Word. When we read the Bible and pray, God teaches us His ways. The Word provides discernment and instruction, direction and wisdom.

Do we take full advantage of the teaching available to us? Spending time in the Word regularly, attending classes of instruction such as Sunday school, taking part in fellowship opportunities and going to church to hear preaching of God’s Word are available to most of us.

Ps 119:27 Make me understand the way of Thy precepts, so I will meditate on Thy wonders.

It is interesting to note that in all the difficulties David is experiencing, he cries for understanding before he requests God to deliver him from his troubles. This sends a message to us of what is most important – that we know and understand God. I love Paul’s prayer for understanding for the Ephesian believers:

Eph 1:17-19a that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 [I pray that] the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary says, “Do our hearts, cleansed in Christ's blood, make these prayers, resolutions and confessions our own? Is God's word the standard of our faith, and the law of our practice? Do we use it as pleas with Christ for what we need? Happy those who live in such delightful exercises”. (Emphasis mine)

True understanding of something takes thoughtful consideration and effort.

Pr 2:3-5 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; 4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD, and discover the knowledge of God.

Jas 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

1Ki 3:5, 9 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, "Ask what [you wish] me to give you." 9 "So give Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Thine?"

Solomon’s prayer for understanding and wisdom was not for the benefit of himself but so that he might fulfill the plans God desired of him in a manner that would honor his Lord.

What is our example of prayer according to Psalm 119:169?

In the next verse, we continue to see the humility of our Psalmist as he requests God’s attentive reply. In verse 169 we read, ‘let my cry come before Thee’. In addition to asking God to hear him, the Psalmist requests God’s favor to hear him.

Ps 119:170 Let my supplication come before Thee; Deliver me according to Thy word.

Consider approaching the mightiest of men and knowing you are unworthy of being in the presence of such a man. You not only find yourself in his presence but also have the opportunity to speak. Most of us would assume a position and character of humility if given this appointment.

David has a relationship with God but fully understands it is only because God has reached out to him, he does not merit the attention of Jehovah because of his own accord. We can imagine David saying, ‘please hear me, please regard my prayer’. Previously, the Psalmist asked for understanding, now he asks for God to defend and even rescue him – according to His word.

David does not have a cleverly devised scheme in being delivered from the onslaught of his enemies, he trusts in God’s plan. He desires to be helped according to God’s will.

In Genesis chapter 32, we have recorded for us a similar request to God from Jacob (Ge 32:9-12).

The word supplication, used in verse 170, speaks of making an appeal to God, an earnest request. This is asked as a favor of God’s grace. When we go before someone with an appeal for something, we are asking for acceptance. As our understanding of God grows, the realization that we can even be in His presence is astounding!

Perhaps David is thinking ‘please deliver me and protect me from my adversaries, but not according to my way because I know it is flawed, but according to your righteousness’.

How do we approach God? Is it with a heart that knows we are undeserving of his mercy? Do we request His plan for our lives? Do we praise God for His instruction and answers?

Ps 119:171 Let my lips utter praise, For Thou dost teach me Thy statutes.

It is only because of God that we know Him. Because He has chosen to reach down and touch us with His grace, and bestow His mercy upon us, we can approach His word with a heart of gaining understanding. For this we are to praise Him!

Consider the numerous scholars of the bible. Many years of analyzing words may go into attaining a degree of biblical study, yet without the Holy Spirit of God, there is no real understanding. Intellectual knowledge does not change a soul.

David, our Psalmist, is a shepherd boy turned giant slayer who became king. However, his most treasured identity lies in the fact that he is God’s anointed (1 Sam 16:12-13).

We have the certainty that God will teach us His statutes. David says in Psalm 119:171, “Let my lips utter praise”. How do we use our lips? Do we pay attention to our language, our speech, our talk and our words? Do words of praise come forth from our mouth?

Ps 119:7 I shall give thanks to Thee with uprightness of heart, when I learn Thy righteous judgments.

The 1599 Geneva Bible Notes says the phrase ‘my lips shall utter praise’ means to pour forth continually. One commentary says this phrase means ‘praises streaming forth as from a bubbling, overflowing fountain’ (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary).

David expects that God will teach him His statutes. We can be confident that God will teach us about Himself through His word. Because of Him we have understanding and knowledge of who He is and what He desires for those who earnestly follow Him. We can have confidence in the direction He shows us. This should lead us to praise Him!

Read Paul’s words as he writes to the church in Ephesus.

Eph 1:9-12 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, [that is], the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

If the truth above does not lead us to praise, we need to seriously reconsider if we are God’s child.

Ps 71:17, 23 O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth; and I still declare Thy wondrous deeds. 23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to Thee; and my soul, which Thou hast redeemed.

“The heart taught of God, cannot contain itself, but breaks out in praise and singing. This would be the effect of divine illumination, and this would be felt to be a privilege, yea, and a high duty. Have you not found so, believers, specially on common occasions? Be assured, such utterances are the sign of a renewed heart; yea, of a heart filled with all gratitude of right feeling.” --John Stephen, in the Treasury of David

Ps 44:8 In God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to Thy name forever. Selah.

Jer 9:23-24 Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things, "declares the LORD.

God teaches us His commands. His instruction gives us understanding on how we are to live in a manner pleasing to Him. God’s word instructs us to praise Him continuously. Are the words grumble and complain and accusation and blame descriptive of our speech? Do we often hear ourselves speaking of what others have done wrong or what they should be doing, instead of how we ourselves should be living? Do we offer a heart of discontent or a hymn of praise to God?

God will give us the understanding we need if we ask. He will hear our prayers and protect us. He will teach us His commands. Praise Him for His great grace!

Psalm 119:152

An anchor in the world is only as secure as people. An anchor in Truth is eternally fixed. As we personally witness God’s protection and faithfulness, our anchor sinks deeper into the foundation of His word. We become settled and established in Him. This was David’s experience. The confidence he had in God could not be moved. His faith planted him secure even in the midst of danger, trials and temptations.

A quick review of what we have been studying together. Psalm 119 is the longest of the Psalms, more than twice as long as any other. It is believed that David is the author of this psalm. Psalm 119 is a collection of thoughts, not necessarily linked together, but individual praises and admirations of the God David loved and followed. It is broken up into sections of 8 verses, with each section beginning with a letter in the Hebrew alphabet starting with the first letter and continuing through to the last letter. This psalm contains encouragement to believers and will challenge those who say they know God but do not follow Him. A central theme of Psalms 119 is the excellence of God’s word. God’s word is referred to by several names in this psalm, including the law, statutes, precepts or commandments, judgments, ordinances, righteousness, testimonies, the way and the word.

Psalm 119:152. This is the last verse in the nineteenth division of Psalm 119.

Review from the beginning of the nineteenth division of Psalm 119.

Note the actions – I cried, I will observe, I cried, I shall keep, I rise, cry for help, I wait, my eyes anticipate, I meditate.

Note the requests – answer me, save me, hear my voice, revive me.

Note the subject, God’s word – Thy statutes, Thy testimonies, Thy word(s), Thine ordinances, Thy law, and Thy commandments.

Note the recipient – O LORD, Thee

Note also the adjectives used: all, far and near. What do these words describe?

Verse 151: God is near; His commandments are truth.

Ps 119:145-152 I cried with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will observe Thy statutes. 146 I cried to Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Thy words. 148 My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Thy word. 149 Hear my voice according to Thy lovingkindness; revive me, O LORD, according to Thine ordinances. 150 Those who follow after wickedness draw near; they are far from Thy law. 151 Thou art near, O LORD, and all Thy commandments are truth. 152 Of old I have known from Thy testimonies, That Thou hast founded them forever.

Think of the words aforetime, ancient time, eternal, and everlasting.

“Long have I known” (RSV)

“I have long had knowledge” (BBE)

God’s law is everlasting. It is written for us so that we might know who He is, what He has done, who we are and the way we should go. It is written for us as evidence of His love for us and His plan. We can and should refer to His truths in all things. David reveres God’s word. We have been given a manual full of instruction in the Bible. It is concise, it is relevant, and it includes specific information about God, about us, and about life. Is God’s word the handbook you refer to constantly? Are the pages dog-eared and worn from use?

Often, people learn to recite prayers that have been memorized. But prayer is more than just repetition or words that are automatic. Sincere prayer is more than an exercise we take part in or something we are supposed to do. It is more than a list of confessions and requests. In David’s example, we see him crying to God with his whole heart. Prayer doesn’t need to be eloquent, there is no magic in the words. Its value is solely based on the recipient who hears your request. The power in prayer comes from the One you are trusting in to provide answers and direction.

Since God is everywhere, we can lift our voices to Him in all circumstances and in all settings. Consider how big your God is. Can a building contain Him? I am no more accepted by God in a specific building than I am on a park bench. Gathering together in a place of worship is necessary, but what we see in Psalm 119, is an example of requests to God whenever and wherever we are.

Ac 17:24 "The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands;

In Matthew Chapter five, heaven is described as the throne of God and the earth, His footstool. God is always present therefore He is always available to those who seek Him in prayer.

I’ll assume you can relate to being busy! Most of us feel way too occupied with things to get done. As a result, we need to schedule time to be with even some of our closest family and friends. Not so with God! He’s always here, wanting to hear us, desiring to communicate with us through His Spirit, ready to encourage us through His word, and unfailingly offering His protection.

As we cry to God, what do we request? Look at our Psalmist’s example. He prays for God’s protection so that he might keep His word. Not so he can go about his day and accomplish all the things that are important to himself. Not so he can continue having fun in whatever pleasure he is pursuing. Not so he is less uncomfortable with his surroundings. But that he might please God in obedience. Is your soul fixed upon God?

Psalm 119:152 refers to God’s testimonies. A testimony is a witness to someone or something. God’s testimonies are his witness to us of who He is and what He has done. There is no beginning to God and there is no end. We think in terms of time; God is not limited by time.

I have fond memories of a cabin we were blessed to own in the mountains when our children were young. With this cabin, we were given a boat. It was not perhaps what you may be picturing. It was not a sleek ski vessel, but instead a boxy, large fishing boat we referred to as the ‘tug boat’! It was old and had seen many years of use. It was so heavy and large that it had to be crane lifted out of the lake in the winter for storage. Boating was new for us and we had to quickly learn to navigate on the water and drop anchor. I was surprised at the weight of the anchor and its size! Once lowered, it would firmly fix us in place so that we were stable.

As I think of the memory above, I think of the anchor we have in God’s word. If we don’t anchor in place, holding steadfast to His truths, we are in danger of drifting. God’s testimonies provides our strong foundation so that we are not carried away by temptations or lose our footing in trials.

God has never failed and He will never fail His children. God has caused us to understand His truth. He has been faithful and will continue His faithfulness in all things.

2Co 1:20 For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

Consider. How has God shown His faithfulness to you? God’s word doesn’t change, and His promises won’t change. Therefore, our faith is secure because we are anchored to Him forever.

Earlier in Psalm 119 we read God’s righteousness is everlasting and His testimonies are righteous forever (v. 142, 144).

Everlasting and forever. We like to hear these words. We like to feel secure. Billions of Americans have paid into a government program since they began working. For me, I was thirteen years old. Yes, in ‘those days’ you could be legally employed with a parent’s permission. So for years, a percentage of earnings would be put into a fund called social security. This fund was meant to secure earnings for retirement when you could no longer work full time. The monies poured into this protection have decreased drastically and the security of what was saved has largely been lost.

As I think upon the element of time, I am reminded how precious it is to impart these truths to those who are young. Building a foundation of God’s promises in the hearts of His children will give them an anchor of security for their future. Learning to look at the accounts in God’s word of those who trusted in Him through all things, guides us to do the same.

Ps 22:4-5 In Thee our fathers trusted; they trusted, and Thou didst deliver them. 5 To Thee they cried out, and were delivered; In Thee they trusted, and were not disappointed.

The Psalmist says, ‘of old I have known from Thy testimonies’. He has known God’s word. What does this statement say of his relationship with God’s word? He uses it, he is acquainted with it, and he understands it is God’s instruction to him, this is more than mere head knowledge. This entire Psalm, written by David, is a glimpse of his personal relationship with God. He recognizes God’s care, God’s protection and God’s answers. The Psalmist is intimately aware of his need for God and continues to go to the word time after time, seeking encouragement and instruction. How does this example speak to you?

Let’s seek to know God’s word more. Then our hope, like David’s, will remain steadfast and secure in all circumstances. When we cry to God in prayer, we will know He hears us and will provide His perfect answers.

Ec 3:14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has [so] worked that men should fear Him.

Jas 1:17 Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

What Makes You Zealous?

We have an amazing, incomprehensible God who, in His love for us, gave all. How undeserving are we of His gift of salvation and blessings poured out on us freely, even in our sinfulness and rejection of Him. And yet, man still rejects God. And we were among those who refused Him, except for His grace. I pray no matter our life circumstances, we are able to be fully consumed with zeal for our Great God and what He has done. A zeal who’s object is God, a zeal that gets stronger as we see ungodliness around us. A zeal that consumes us to march forward as a soldier and live a life honorable for God’s glory.

We began our Women’s Bible Study again after a break during the summer. I am personally so thankful for a group of women who are able to meet each week and look at God’s word together. We started up right where we left off in Psalm 119. I pray you are encouraged, challenged and motivated in your love for God!

We finished our study last Spring with Psalm 119:138. In that scripture, David once again acknowledged God’s righteousness and faithfulness. He states God commanded His testimonies in righteousness and exceeding faithfulness. David is fully engaged in loving his Lord. This is what drives him, there is nothing as important as serving God and trusting in Him for all things. Now, the Psalmist shows us insight how others’ rejection of God hurts his very soul. The tone of David’s words has changed.

Ps 119:139 My zeal has consumed me, because my adversaries have forgotten Thy words.

Consider. What happens when you are reminded of who God is and what He has done? Excitement for God’s truths is great, almost seeming to burst from your heart and soul. To be zealous for something is to have a great enthusiasm and interest for it. When you have a great desire and interest for something, it’s almost unthinkable that others would not see the same importance for what you regard so highly. Many of us have felt this way when sharing the Gospel. What we know is certain and good and right, we automatically want for others. When others turn aside from the Truths we trust in, it is difficult to accept their rejection of God. There is grief when what you believe is mistreated or pushed aside as unimportant.

This same reaction towards those who reject God’s commands, is found in Psalm 69:9 – For zeal for Thy house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach Thee have fallen on me.

When someone rejects the Gospel our heart aches for them and for God. When we are known for the Gospel, those who reject it often become hostile towards us because of what we believe. We certainly see this in David’s life.

Remember the story recorded for us in the Gospels when Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover and entered into the temple. He saw merchants making a profit, basically capitalizing on the Jewish remembrance of the Passover. This was a solemn and holy time where the people worshipped God’s sparing of them and it had become a mockery for those wanting to gain from it. Jesus entered the temple, saw what was happening and began overturning the tables and driving the moneychangers and all the goods out of the temple. Why?

Mt 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Joh 2:14-17 And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers seated. 15 And He made a scourge of cords, and drove [them] all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the moneychangers, and overturned their tables; 16 and to those who were selling the doves He said, "Take these things away; stop making My Father's house a house of merchandise." 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "ZEAL FOR THY HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME."

The worship we have of God cannot be mocked without us taking a personal affront. It should be pure and holy. Can you begin to imagine Jesus, upon seeing His Father’s house turned into an arena of buying and selling, how it must have made His heart ache for the Truths that had become so cheaply transformed by men with no understanding?

So here we have David sharing his own intense feelings. His enemies are those against God. David literally feels as if he will be consumed by his strong love for God and the rejection of God he sees in others. David recorded a similar scripture for us in Ps 119:53 – Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, who forsake Thy law.

Read what Ezra records upon hearing that after having been freed from captivity, the Israelites had formed bonds of marriage with the idolatrous nations around them. Ezra 9:3 And when I heard about this matter, I tore my garment and my robe, and pulled some of the hair from my head and my beard, and sat down appalled. The tearing of his garment and pulling of his hair was a practiced custom at that time when you were grieved.

David, in Psalm 119, had just proclaimed over and over the righteousness of God and His laws. We would expect him to react strongly to those who were enemies against the God he loved and followed. The Psalmist promoted God’s glory, his enemies plundered it. This caused David pain and grief.

How do we react to those who oppose God? Does it make our heart ache? It’s interesting to note that at least in the case of Ps 119:139, it says ‘my adversaries have forgotten Thy words’. In order to have forgotten something, the implication is you once had it. How easy is it to forget something we rarely use or to lose interest in something that has little value to us? Is there a warning we can take from this?

Matthew Poole’s Commentary explains David’s thoughts: ‘I am tormented and cut to the heart with grief and anger at it’. Think about the opposite of forgetting God’s words – remembering them by following and loving them. Grief and anger is then replaced with joy and peace.

Consider. We have an amazing, incomprehensible God who, in His love for us, gave all. How undeserving are we of His gift of salvation and blessings poured out on us freely, even in our sinfulness and rejection of Him. And yet, man still rejects God. And we were among those who refused Him, except for His grace. I pray no matter our life circumstances, we are able to be fully consumed with zeal for our Great God and what He has done. A zeal who’s object is God, a zeal that gets stronger as we see ungodliness around us. A zeal that consumes us to march forward as a soldier and live a life honorable for God’s glory.

Zeal: strong eagerness – excessive fervor – prompt willingness. All for God.

“There is a zeal of the world, there is a zeal of the flesh, there is a zeal of religion, there is a zeal of heresy, and there is a zeal of the true God. First, we see the zeal of the world maketh men to labour day and night to get a transitory thing. The zeal of the flesh torments men’s minds early and late for a momentary pleasure. The zeal of heresy maketh travel and compassing sea and land, for the maintaining and increasing of opinion. Thus we see every man is eaten up with some kind of zeal. The drunkard is consumed with drunkenness, the whoremonger is spent with his whoredom, the heretic is eaten with heresies. Oh, how ought this to ashamed, who are so little eaten, spent, and consumed with the zeal of word! And so much the rather, because godly zeal leaveth in us advantage and a recompense, which the worldly and carnally zealous have not. For when they have spent all the strength of their bodies, powers of their mind, they have no gain or comfort left, but torment conscience; and when they are outwardly spent, they are inwardly never better: whereas the godly being concerned for a good thing, and eaten with the zeal of God's glory, have this notable privilege and profit, howsoever their outward man perisheth and decayeth, yet their inward is still refreshed and nourished to everlasting life. Oh, what a benefit to be eaten up with the love and zeal of a good thing!”—Richard Greenham. (Emphasis added)

Jos 22:5 "Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Tag: God’s word

The Word

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Psalm 119:152

What Makes You Zealous?

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