Nuggets from Psalm 119
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord .
Undefiled are blessed...who walk.
Where are they blessed? In the way (path).
Where do they walk? In the law (Bible).
Who does the law belong to? The Lord.
If my path is following the law of the Lord, I will not only become undefiled, I will be blessed.
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2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Keep his testimonies. Makes me think of going to the animal shelter and picking up a fuzzy kitten. It snuggles right in your arms. It purrs loudly. I decide right there, I am going to keep you! God's Word can be like that. We just need to pick it up, allow it to penetrate our hearts. It is a perfect fit. We have to decide to keep it. Or we can put it down and move on. We have the choice to seek and to keep. The last part mentions your whole heart. It is very easy to only seek and or keep with a partial heart. But then will we not only be partially blessed? Food for thought.
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3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
Think the opposite of this...
When they do iniquity...they are not walking in His ways.
Who's ways do you want to walk in?
4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
We have been commanded to keep His precepts diligently.
Precepts are like laws. This is like obeying traffic laws, only it is life. It is best when all obey the laws. Things work smoothly when all obey. It just takes one person doing their own thing to mess up a whole bunch of people's day. Same with God's laws. What you do affects others. You may be the cause of another's issues because you "ran the red light" and it interfered with their day. So, be diligent when obeying...what you do affects those around you also.
5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
Can you imagine how great it would be if we were to have our ways directed (established) in God's Word? If every decision we made followed Scripture and not our own will. If in our heart of hearts we only made choices based on His Word and not on our emotional response to that which is around us. This is why we need to stay in the Bible daily. To daily regenerate this desire to follow.
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6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
When I have respect for God's Word, I shall not be ashamed.
This is similar to respecting the laws of traffic, things just go better when everyone does.
7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
When I shall have learned - have I taken the time to learn God's Word?
Righteous judgements - the Bible is righteous (correct)
I will praise God - good or bad, praise the Lord He will be with me the whole time.
With uprightness of heart - what is my heart condition? Uprightness?
8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
I will keep they laws...please don't forsake me.
Our job is to follow. We have expectations that God will take care of us if we do this. Here the psalmist is proclaiming his plan to keep God's statutes. He is also begging God to not forsake him. Are there times when we feel forsaken? Yes, but we have to remember that God sees a bigger picture than we do. Like the words to the song, when we can't understand...trust His heart. We need to trust that God has our best interest in mind.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Why would a young man need to cleanse his way? They are actually subject to the same temptations as the older people. But they are in training. I think we need to cleanse our way similar to taking a bath or doing dishes. This is a daily need. We are in the muck and mire of this world. We need to be cleansed often. How do we get cleansed? By taking heed to God's Word. How can we take heed unless we read it. Here again is why we need daily devotion time. We are surrounded by the filth of this world. Take heed and cleanse today, have your devotions!
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
Ever done something half-hearted? Well, God wants us to seek after Him with our whole heart. Even then we have to be careful not to wander. I believe your reward is in equal portion to your effort. You don't just magically win at life, you put effort into it. So, if things aren't going that great...could it be that you are not putting your whole heart into making it better?
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Why do we hide God's Word in our hearts? To keep us from sin! How do we hide it? By reading and/or memorizing it. So what are you reading and/or memorizing? What do you do for your daily devotion time? Do you have a plan, or is it just random passages that you read? Do you read just to check that task off your list for the day, or do your read until the Spirit speaks to you? Can you find something in the passages you read each day? I have heard the gospel preached from the genealogy in Matthew, seen God's delight in the details in the books of the law. There is something in each passage for you if you are looking for it. Ask God to reveal His message in His Word to you each day. You will not find it if you are not looking for it!
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Another thought...if you are not storing God's Word in your heart...what are you storing there?
12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.
I looked up the word statutes. It is a prescribed law, rule, etc. Made me think of a prescription. It is written for us, yet we need to go to the pharmacy and fill it, then we must take it, then our body can apply it to promote healing. The Bible has been written for us. We need to open and read it daily, then we need to apply it to our lives. This prescription does no good in the bottle on the shelf!
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13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
What are you talking about?
Here this verse says we should be declaring (talking about) all the judgements from God's mouth. Judgements, this would be the consequences of sin. So our Bible is not just a prosperity Gospel. So we should not always be speaking of the good stuff. We must also discuss the judgement side of Him. All about balance.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
I have rejoiced. This is action and a decision is being made here to rejoice. In the way. In the way (direction) of what? What am I rejoicing in and what direction is it taking me? Of thy testimonies, am I going in the direction of God's Word? As much. How much effort am I putting into this? As in all riches? Do I chase after the almighty dollar more than I chase after God?
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Meditate-do I think about what I am reading? Do I ponder its meaning during the day?
Precepts are the foundation building pieces we learn from the Bible.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Do I delight in God's laws? I will not forget, what am I doing to remember? This makes me think of Bible memorization...I should be doing more of that.
17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
...with thy servant
This is the phrase that stands out to me in this verse. Are we His servant? Do we serve Him? Do I live to serve Him? Do I keep His Word? If yes...then He will deal bountifully with me. This is not just a prosperity gospel. This means that even when we are in our
18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
1. We have to open our eyes and read it
2. We have to behold (look) for it
3. We have to believe it
Wondrous things are waiting for you. Open your eyes and behold God's Word each day!
19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
I am a stranger (guest, not a permanent resident) in the earth. This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. Our time on earth will end. We are only here for a short time. While we are here though, we want God to reveal His Word to us. Living by His Commandments (Bible) makes our whole life go smoother.
20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
My soul breaketh, how emotionally involved am I with God's Word?
For the longing, how dependent am I on God's Word?
At all times, how constant am I in my meditating on God's Word?
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21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
Which do err...who? The proud.
I don't want to err from God's Word. If you stray from the Bible, you will become proud and it will result in a rebuke from God. Then there is the whole cursed part, nope not interested in that either.
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22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
Here is a request to remove me from reproach and contempt. Just because we are keeping His Testimonies doesn't mean we are insulated from bad stuff. But...if we are keeping His Testimonies, we will be able to endure reproach and contempt better. Keeping His Testimonies helps us handle life better. It does not control others...it guides us. Reading your Bible and applying it daily helps you ACT appropriately and not doing so cause you to REACT inappropriately.
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23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
​Meditate: think deeply or carefully about (something).
People will talk about you. What will you mediate on? What they say or what Scripture says?
24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
​Do I delight in God's Word? Sometimes I think we get to used to having the Bible and forget how precious it is. These are the actual words of God, written for us to be able to read and apply to our lives. I have access to the very thoughts of God. His Word should be my main resource for counsel in my life. Any other counsel I receive should be measured against the Bible. It is fine to get counsel from others as long as it is not contrary to God's Word. Have you delighted in your personal Bible reading today? Is it where you go for counsel?
25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
What are you hanging on to? Our natural man longs for the things of the flesh. We need to beg God to quicken (revive) us according to His Word.
26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
Here is my plan...God heard me...but, I am willing to do your will...teach me, Lord. Am I willing to allow the Lord to teach me His statutes? Or, do I just want to do it my way?
27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
I ask why a lot. If I can understand the why the doing is so much easier for me. Here the psalmist is asking God to help him understand the why of His laws. With this knowledge he plans to share how wondrous God is. Makes me think.....am I trying to understand the why? When I do get the why, am I sharing His wondrous works?​
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28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
Heaviness, ever had a burden that you carried that weighed down your spirit? It was a shadow over all you did. It consumed you. You practically become the burden you are carrying. How do you get out of that? Strengthen thou me according into thy word. Dig into the Bible for strength. Lean upon His promises. Don't feel like you have to solve all the problems, rely on God to guide you to the solution.
29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
Remove from me the way of lying...
Is this me lying? Is this me hearing lies from others? Is this me lying because I am influenced by the lies of others?
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Grant me thy law graciously...
Is this me reading and applying God's Word? Is this God graciously allowing me to be fed the truth with His Word? Which one am I choosing?
30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
I am making a choice for God's way of truth. His judgements have I laid before me. I choose to follow God, in doing so I put His Word before me each day to determine my path. If I choose to make God's Word the compass of my life, just imagine where He will lead me!
31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
Stuck: cling to, adhere, catch
I will cling to thy testimonies...
I will adhere to thy testimonies...
I will catch they testimonies...
First we have to read His Word. Then get stuck. Once we have done that, then...O Lord, put me not to shame.
32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
I will run. This would be a very purposeful and determined stride towards God's Word. You don't run casually without having a direction or path already chosen.
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When thou shalt. Notice this is not when shalt thou. This is not a question, this is a statement. After I run the way of God's Word...thou shalt enlarge my heart. As we follow God's commandments, he will increase our desire to continue and grow.
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
Teach me...I shall keep
God's job is to teach us. His textbook is the Bible. Our job is to keep the way of His statutes. We find them in the Bible. This is why it is so important for us to be daily reading God's Word. He is constantly teaching, we should be constantly keeping...unto the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Observe: A primitive root; properly to hedgeabout (as with {thorns}) that {is} guard; generally to {protect} attend {to} etc.
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Give me understanding = I shall keep they law
Give me understanding = I shall observe (guard) it with my WHOLE heart
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Here David is asking for understanding. If he can get it, he will keep the law. If he can understand what God is telling him to do, He will do it. If he can understand what God is telling him to do, he will guard and protect that understanding with his whole heart. Am I looking for understanding in God's Word? Am I willing to protect and guard it once it is given to me? Am I giving my whole heart to God, or do I reserve a portion just for me?
35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
Make me...David is asking God to make him go in the path of His commandments. Sorta like when parents make their kids brush their teeth and eat their vegetables. Make me do it, because it is good for me. Make me do it, because I get too lazy to read and follow His Word. Make me do it, because I am weak and will find excuses not to. For therein I delight. God knows if I stay in the Scriptures daily I will delight. If I am faithful, I will flourish in my Christian walk. God knows what is best for me. Don't we all need to be made to do the right thing sometimes?
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36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Point my heart toward the Bible and not chasing the almighty dollar.
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37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
Turn me away from myself, revive my in your Word.
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38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
Thy servant, this means we are set aside to serve Him
Who is devoted, this means very loyal or loving
To thy fear, this means towards thy reverence or respect
Stabling thy word, to establish or maintain
Establish your Word unto me as a servant set aside to serve You, Lord. Make me to be very loyal and loving with reverence and respect towards You.
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39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
Turn away my disgrace, rebuke, and shame. I fear staying in my reproach, please turn me away. For thy judgements (Bible) are good. So if we are turning away from the bad, we should be turning towards the good. This is an either/or situation. We cannot follow both the reproach and the judgements at the same time.
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40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
Do I desire the laws of God? Does His righteousness revive me? Could I be in a state lacking revival due to my lack of longing for His Word?
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I truly think they go together. Love God's Word = Revival
What is revival but that your spirit is brought to life? Without God' Word as the center of your life, you will remain without life.
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41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.​
Mercy = not getting what you do deserve....kindness
We want God to be merciful towards us. Not just for salvation, but for all of our lives.
Aren't you glad we have a Merciful God?
42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
...to answer him that reproacheth me...
Be sure you are standing on the Bible and not relying solely on man.
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The Bible stands like a rock undaunted
’Mid the raging storms of time;
Its pages burn with the truth eternal,
And they glow with a light sublime.
Refrain
The Bible stands though the hills may tumble,
It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble;
I will plant my feet on its firm foundation,
For the Bible stands.
The Bible stands like a mountain towering
Far above the works of men;
Its truth by none ever was refuted,
And destroy it they never can.
Refrain
The Bible stands and it will forever,
When the world has passed away;
By inspiration it has been given,
All its precepts I will obey.
Refrain
The Bible stands every test we give it,
For its author is divine;
By grace alone I expect to live it,
And to prove and to make it mine.
Refrain
https://hymnary.org/hymn/HHOF1980/107#google_vignette
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43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.​
45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
These verse just needed to stick together.
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I have hoped in thy judgements.
I shall keep thy law continuously.
I will walk in liberty.
For I seek thy precepts.
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Make the Bible your home base. Therein is is liberty. Not so much liberty to do whatever you want with no consequence. More like liberty in that you are not trapped in a prison of hopelessness for your future.
46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
Am I ashamed to speak about His Testimonies?
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47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
I will delight myself in thy commandments.
This sounds like it is on purpose. I will do this. I need to make myself do this. It does not come naturally to do this without effort. I love thy commandments, this is why I will delight myself in them.
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48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
My hands also will I lift up...I have to take action.
I cannot just sit here.
I love the Bible.
I will meditate on the Bible.
But then I must take what I have learned and take action.
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49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
Remember the word....
This is my comfort...thy word hath quickened me.
(written years ago)
I'm tired....politically, I'm exhausted at the lack of hope for our nation at the moment. Emotionally, with my dad dying...it was/is a hard process to go through. Watching my kids find their way in life...another hard process which is so completely out of my control. Then just keeping up with the day to day responsibilities of life. I'm so tired....
But...
As I have my devotions each day...
Remember the word....
This is my comfort...thy word hath quickened me.
Can you imagine all this without daily devotion time with God? Each day He renews me. This is one reason why devotions are so important. Each day it is like my time with God fills my "pack" for the day with just what I need. What if I get too busy to fill my "pack" for the day? How I would falter that day...there is no need to falter...I have the resource at my fingertips to get a fresh refill every morning!
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50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
Comfort-A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. The easing or alleviation of a person's feelings of grief or distress.
Affliction-affliction, poverty, misery
Quickened-to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health
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This is my...state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint and easing or alleviation of a person's feelings of grief or distress...in my...affliction, poverty, misery...for thy work hath...lived, has life, remained alive, sustained life, lived prosperously, lived for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health
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51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
What happens when those around me think I'll of me? Do I let it get me down? Do I let them direct my paths? Who am I really trying to please?
Yet have I not declined from thy law....
I have to choose not to let them sway me. To choose God's wishes over other's. the proud are pretty selfish. I need to not be that way myself.
52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
I remembered....first off I need to read and set to memory God's Word
They judgements of old...the old paths of the Bible are solid paths
O Lord...He must have preeminence in my life
And have comforted myself...there is comfort in relying on God
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53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
Horror (a wind of anger) hath taken hold upon me...
Because...
Of the wicked.
That forsake thy law.
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Would they be wicked it they adhered to the Word of God?
Would anger have taken over if they weren't wicked?
What do I do to keep myself from being consumed by this anger?
54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
What is the music in your home?
Pilgrimage here is your dwelling place.
Thy statutes (Bible), is it the theme of the music in your home?
Not that you cannot listen to other music, but is it the foundation of the music you listen to?
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55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
What do you think about in the night?
Many times in the night you dream about real world situations. This is your brain working on the the issues while you sleep. While working out these issues...is your brain doing it God's way? By reassuring yourself that God has things under control, you will be telling yourself the right things.
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56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
In the night...have you ever gone through a night season? The darkness surrounds you, you don't know which way to go, you feel frozen in terror of what could happen. When that happens, remember God. Keep His Law. Continue following Him. You will get through the darkness. He is there beside you. You may not see Him, but He is there.
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57 Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
What do I actually need? God gives me the exact serving size I need in life. He is my allotment
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58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
Did I seek God's favor? With my whole heart?
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59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
My way...why would I ever think I have this all figured out and that my way is the best Option?
Turned my feet, what I should be doing is turning toward the Bible and following His ways for my life.
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60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
Delay...procrastination
Do I procrastinate to keep His Commandments? Do I put off my obedience? Sometimes we just "don't have time" to obey right now. Really!?! God will not ask of us more than we are able to do with His divine help. So, make hast...delay not...keep His Commandments!
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61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
Robbed me of what? Bands, wow that would sound like an organized effort against me. What saves me is staying in God's Word.
Makes me think of the concerted effort to pull me towards the world. To think like they do, act like they do, be like they are....not exactly what God wants. If I stay in the Word, I will be able to resist the world. I will be able to think like God, act godly, and be like Him. I get to choose which side I portray...it all boils down to what I pour into me....godliness or worldliness
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62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Why would I be up at midnight? I must be worried about some issue. So, I need to give my issue back to God and be thankful for His righteous judgements. His ways may not be my ways, but His ways are best. I need to trust Him, even at midnight.
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63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
All them that fear thee... All them that keep thy precepts
Those are the people I associate with, those are the people I fit in with the most.
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64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
There is so much good in our world given to us by God. We tend to pay more attention to the bad though. Today, try to focus on God's mercy in your life. The earth is FULL of His mercy....Teach me thy statues.
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65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Can we look at how Good has treated us and say... Thou hast dealt well with thy servant? If you were to take a moment, you would see how much mercy Good has sent your way. You are alive, well, loved, provided for, etc. Sometimes we let the negative things like your arm or my blood sugar's and let them ruin all that is right with us like the fact that we both have godly men that love us. Our needs will be met. I can't think of a time where they haven't been met. Part of this reminds me that I am His servant. I serve at His pleasure, not mine. Trust His Word. Allow Good to deal with you.
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66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
Judgement - perception, discretion, understanding
Knowledge - perception, discernment, understanding, wisdom
Discretion vs. discernment -
Discretion, the right to choose what should be done in a particular situation
Discernment, to be able to separate between what is important or true and what is not
Teach me to choose what should be done and to be able to tell what is important to be done, for I have believed thy commandments (Bible).
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67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
This verse make me think of someone who is in the went astray part...she will be afflicted...then she will reach the point where she will keep His Word again. There is hope for her future. It is hard to watch the afflicted stage, but we know it is necessary to get to the next stage. The best thing you can do for her is to thrive in your Christian walk each day. That is a testimony to her.
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68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
Who is Thou in this verse? God.
God is good.
God doest good.
God, teach me thy statutes (Word).
--No matter what happens, or how it happened....I need to believe that God is good.
--That God doest good. Even though this may be an uncomfortable period in my life, God is working for my good.
--Teach me Thy Word, Lord. Help me to look to you for my strength each day. Help me to trust in you in my journey.
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69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
Why would the proud be against me?
1. I will keep Thy precepts
2. With my whole heart
If I am doing one and two from above, I will achieve great things while living at peace with God. The proud man will be trying in his power and struggle to achieve mediocre things. The competition to be better than me is strong for them. It also has nothing to do with me, but all is with their heart issues.
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70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
This one sorta stumped me today.
Their heart... Is this talking about the proud?
As fat as grease, that would be pretty fat.
But I delight in thy law...Delight, to look upon, fondle, accept... Do I do this with the Bible?
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71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Sometimes you need to struggle...it is what makes you grow.
This is sort of a hard thing to get. It is good for me that I have been afflicted. Bad things happen. It is good for me. This very difficult time in my life is...Is good for me? That I might learn thy statutes. Where do you go when going through a hard time? Hopefully to the Bible for answers.
Life is hard.
But.... Through hard times comes... Achievement, strength, growth, success... If you choose to learn from it. If you give in during the hard times and cease to fight then comes... Despair, failure, destruction.
We need to choose how to struggle. Alone and in our own power or with God's help and His power for His glory. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. By choosing "through Christ" we are choosing to follow Him. By choosing "through Christ" we are choosing the good to come from the hard time.
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72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Following after the Bible is better than chasing the almighty dollar. Is better unto me... God's Word will enrich your life more than money ever will.
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73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
God made me.
God fashioned me.
God gives me understanding.
I may learn God's commandments.
Why am I here? God made me.
Why am I the way I am? God fashioned me.
Where does knowledge come from? God gives me understanding.
What do I need to do? Learn and apply God's Word to my life.
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74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
I have noticed before that the "good" kids really liked me, and the "bad" kids don't. This is from working at school but also carries over into my work at church now. Those who want to do right are not going to have an issue with me. This verse explains why. Because I have hoped in thy word... They that fear thee, welp be glad to see me. Not saying I am perfect, but my desire is for God's will. When you look at the character of those around you and how they respond to you, it gives you an idea weigh side they are on. My job here is to hope in His Word. Not to worry about other's approval, bit to worry about God's.
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75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
It is good to acknowledge that God is right. We don't always get to know why He does what He does, but we always know that He is faithful.
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76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
Please... I'm begging you God... You are so merciful and kind.... Let action from you bring comfort to me... Just like it states in the Bible..."I will not leave you comfortless"... Thank you for promising that to me... Help me to have faith.
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77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
Do I acknowledge when God's tender mercies to come to me, or do I ignore them?
What happens when I don't? Do I then live my life to the fullest potential? Do I delight in God's Word?
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78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
The understood you in this verse belongs to God. God, let the proud be ashamed... He will take care of it, I don't have to seek revenge or justice. I just need to meditate on His Word and keep my heart right.
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79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
Fear thee? Not really scared, more reverent than scared. Reverent would be recognizing God and then to fear Him would be appropriate once you figured out your place under Him. Then you turn unto Him. That is when you decide that His direction for your life is better than anything you can figure out on your own. If you are truly following God, you will be drawn to people also following God.
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80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
Let my heart me sound....I added the definition so we can see what it means to be sound. Makes me think of another verse, the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. Which would you rather have? I would rather choose to be sound using the Bible as my basis for where my heart is.
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81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Do you ever get tired of the battle? How long can you run the race uphill without a break? It's your soul fainting in the daily struggles?
But...
I hope in thy word.
God's Word is where we should go for daily renewing our soul each day. Maybe even more than just our devotions. Hymns and spiritual sounds are a great help also. Surround yourself with His Word and people/things which point you towards Him. When you do faint in the struggle of life, hope in His Word.
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82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
I keep looking for answers, where are you God? Ever feel this way? God is not helping? I am struggling all by myself? Is He ever going to comfort me? His timing is not ours. We need to remind ourselves of this when these feelings arise. Think about this. Who is putting these thoughts that God is not listening or helping you into your mind? Certainly not Him. Wouldn't Satan love it if you doubted that God is taking care of you? Think of his victory if you give up, or become discouraged. So next time you have thoughts of... "Where is God? Why isn't He helping me?". Think to yourself, who planted that thought in my head?
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83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
Time to blow out my candle. Don't want that smoke to smell up the room. Put the lid on. Candle jar fills with black smoke. Later, open the jar... Smoky film all over. Ugly. Can't see through glass anymore. Must wipe offer residue before burning candle again to see the beauty of light. That is a picture of me when I put a lid on it and try to handle life without God. I 'turn off' His presence. That traps all the sin inside and clouds up my life with an ugly film. Allowing God's Word to wipe the sinful film off is allowing His light to shine through me again. Make sure you don't forget His statutes each day.​​
84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
So, how long is this trial gonna last? God, are you ever gonna 'get' those guys that persecute me?
God never loses control of our situation. He has a plan. His timing is part of that plan. How long is this gonna last? I don't know, but He does. Those people that persecute me... Are You ever gonna judge them? Yes, but you need to trust Me that I will do it when it is best.
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85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
The proud, arrogant, are out to trap me. Not for the good or for biblical reasons either. They want to trap me to make themselves look better. If they can put me down they feel it will elevate them. Not so. I need to make sure I am leaning after thy law and not the approval of the proud.
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86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
All thy commandments are faithful. God's Word is faithful. It is a steady influence in our lives. But, we must read it. It is always available to us. Are we always seeking truth from it?
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87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
Have you ever felt consumed by the world around you? If not consumed, almost? What is your response? Will you choose to forsake God's Word and solve these issues on your own or will you turn to the Bible for answers? God is there, available to you with ALL His resources, just waiting for you to seek Him.
This makes me think of us as parents. We watch our children struggle with situations at the very edge of their abilities. The struggle will actually be good for them, will help them grow and learn. But, if they were to ask for our help...We are ready to help them. Same with God, He is ready and willing to step in and assist us in our struggle. He is just waiting for us to seek Him. So, before you get consumed by your troubles in this world...Seek help from God's Word.
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88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Ever stop feeling the love? What about kindness? Here David is asking God to revive the godly loving kindness in his heart. That tells me the he had stopped "feeling the love" himself. How do we renew this feeling? Reading the Bible. Speaking the Bible. Keeping (living) God's Word in real life. The only way any of that can happen is to stay in God's Word.
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89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
How long? Forever.
Who settled it? O Lord.
What is settled? God's Word.
Where is it settled? Heaven.
We don't have to be wishy washy, it is settled. It is a for sure thing. God's Word is the final authority. Forever and unchanging. We can draw security from this.
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90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
What does it take for the earth to abide? We are living on a ball spinning is space. We are just the right distance from the sun to not be too cold or hot. We have oxygen at just the right level to live.
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91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
Who are they? I looked back and I think they are God's Words. Isn't it great to know that God's Word continues. It is not just something of the past.
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92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
Is His Law my delight? If I don't rely on God's Word...I perish in my own afflictions...If I do rely on God's Word, it surpasses mine afflictions.
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93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
To understand this more, let's look at the opposite.
I will always remember thy precepts, for without them I would die.
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94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
I am thine, tells me he is a Christian already.
Save me, not salvation from sin, salvation from woes.
Thy precepts is the path to this type of salvation.
So, first we surrender to Him. Then we rely on Him. Then we listen to His Word (Bible). This is how we get help with our troubles.
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95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
The wicked are there just waiting for me to slip up. Then they can sell in and destroy me. But....I will consider thy testimonies...God's Word. That is what it is gonna take to make the difference.
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96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
Broad, in every direction. God's Word will cover any thing that comes up.
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97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Do I really love the Bible? Do I think about it later in my day or just during devotions? Do I promote the teachings there in my daily life? The Bible should be so ingrained in me that I naturally would think about its answers to my own personal needs in life. That the words I say would be peppered with scripture should be common place.
Do I love it or is it just a duty to read?
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98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
God, through your Word...hast made me wiser than mine enemies...your Word is always with me.
That is a comfort. But, I have to read His Word to get this benefit. I cannot even imagine what God has in store for me, but if I obey and read His Word...those benefits are available to me.
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99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
Why would I understand more than my teachers? I think the answer is in the second part of the verse. Thy testimonies are MY meditation. This indicates an ownership of the precepts in God's Word. God's Word is my meditation.
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100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
Why do I understand? Because I kept thy precepts. I must read and apply God's Word to my life daily.
​​101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
Restrict myself from every evil way.
Restrain myself from every evil way.
Withhold myself from every evil way.
Shut up evil ways that wasn't to come out.
Keep back the evil ways that want to come out.
Refrain from evil ways when they want to come out.
Forbid evil ways when they are trying to come out.
That I might keep thy word
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102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
I have not departed. I made a choice to continue. I have made my foundation in God's Word. I have allowed God's Word to teach me the way I should go.
The opposite: I have departed from God's Word, I have refused to learn from what He has taught me.
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103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
My taste.. What is my taste? Do I have a taste for the words of God? If so, how sweet the Bible is to me. Sweeter than honey..I think this would be like saying His Word is a delicacy I get there privilege of enjoying each day. An I partaking in that privilege as much as I should be?
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104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
If I am faithfully reading my Bible...I will hate false teaching.
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105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
I do not like the dark...sorta wimpy about it actually. Ever been camping? Do you know what happens between 12:30-1:30 am when you are camping? Never fails....gotta go. The path is dark, and who knows who or what is out there. Gotta love that flashlight. It lights up the path for you in the dark. The Bible is like that. It lights up the path for you in the dark. But, you gotta have it with you...and you must turn it on. Your Bible is not gonna light your path closed and on the shelf. Read it!
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106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
I promise
I will do it
I will hang onto God's Word
I will continue to do His will in my life
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107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Affliction happens
Sometimes it happens a lot
When that is the case, quicken me, O Lord
Restore me
According to thy Word
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108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
O Lord, I'm begging you... Accept my offerings which I will send to You.
Teach me thy judgements.
First, Good needs to be my Lord.
I need to beg Him to accept what I can offer, I also need to offer what I can.
I then need to open myself up to learn what I can from His response. I need to read the Bible to hear Him speak to me.
I know we can hear God in other ways, but what if the only time we are actually listening to Him is when we are reading His Word. How often would that be for you.
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109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
My soul, the emotional and analytical part of me, is always right there in front of me... Yet do I not forget thy law. The consistent reading and applying of God's Word in my life is what will keep me steady.
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110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
The wicked continually want took trap you.
Yet....
I erred not from thy precepts... God's Word will keep us safe from these traps.
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111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Heritage, an inheritance, to take as a possession
Thy testimonies (God's Word)...I have taken (I am making mine, meaning I have accepted them as truth)... Forever (they are for the past, present, and future)... They are the rejoicing of my heart (God's Word is my source for joy).
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112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
Inclined, to bend toward.
Makes me think of a flower bending and following the sun throughout the day. We need to do the same thing and bend toward the Son throughout our day. We gain our strength from His Word each day. Even unto the end.
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113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
Vain thoughts... All about me, useless, no purpose.
Thoughts on God's Word... All about Him, useful in every avenue of my life, film me with the purpose of glorifying Him in all I do and say.
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114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Sometimes we need to get away and hide. It is okay. God will protect us. The key here is where your hope is. Don't forget to take your Bible to your hiding place. The Bible will help you heal, restore, renew, and return even stronger than you came.
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115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
Each day we make a choice. Which team are we gonna "play" on today? The evildoer team or God's team? Here in this verse David is making the choice for God. Which team will you choose today?
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116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
1 My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand.
2 When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
in every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]
3 His oath, his covenant, his blood
support me in the whelming flood;
when all around my soul gives way,
he then is all my hope and stay. [Refrain]
4 When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found,
dressed in his righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain]
Source: Lift Up Your Hearts: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs #772
... Let me not be ashamed of my hope. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus.
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117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
God, hold thou me up.
Then, I shall be safe (delivered).
I will have respect (gaze upon) thy statutes (Bible).
Continually.
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118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
What happens to us when we disobey God's Word? We are trodden down.
Ever feel beaten down? Sometimes this comes from doing things our own way or by our own power.
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119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
Dross, the impurities you skim over to discard. As we journey through our lives, we go through different trials. These trials bring out the good and bad in us. If we allow God to work in our lives, He will skim off the dross and help us become better. Staying in His Word will help us replace the dross with better things.
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120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
Should I be afraid it God?
Yes.
To fear God means I recognize that He is the One in control.
To fear God means I recognize that He has the power over life and death.
He is just, this means I will get what I deserve. This is not a good thing because I deserve Hell. But...He is also full of grace.
So, yes..I should fear God. But at the same time He offers grace.
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121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
Leave me not...Our story does not end with our oppressors.
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122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
Judgement, justice, surety... Talking a real look at what is and making a decision for what it should be.
Oppressors, proud oppress me... Don't let others decided what happens to you. Do right same let God decide your future.
123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
Fail here means to complete, finish, consume
I am looking to Christ for His salvation is what will complete me. His Word will continue this process. Each day begins fresh, what will I fill it with to complete it? I want to be consumed by His will for my life.
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124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
Aren't you glad that God deals with us according to His mercy and not our own mercy?
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125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
I am a servant.
I am thy servant.
Give me understanding.
He gives, I accept.
That I may know thy testimonies.
How will I understand without reading God's Word?
How will I know without reading God's Word?
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126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
This makes me think of our political and moral position as a nation (or world) currently.
They have definitely made void His law....and it is time for the Lord to work. It is not up to us to change the world, it is up to us to pray to God to change the world and be a light.
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127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
What motivates me?
If money is my answer, I can never be satisfied.
If glorifying God is my answer, I will always have more to strive towards.
Stay in the Word. Follow it's precepts. There is nothing sweeter than being in the center of God's will. Following God's will for your life also brings a peace that cannot be matched. So, in every situation use the Bible to help make decisions. Use the Bible to understand what to do and how to act. You cannot choose unwisely when following Him. Allow Him to direct you and you will not regret your past.
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128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
God's Word is right.
Anything against the Bible is a false way.
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129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
God's Word is wonderful... Therefore, I will keep them.
Makes me think of Grandpa Bud. "This is the best thing ever! You have to try it!" If God's Word is actually wonderful (and it is). We should definitely be hanging on and following it.
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130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
God's Word is wonderful... Therefore, I will keep them.
Makes me think of Grandpa Bud. "This is the best thing ever! You have to try it!" If God's Word is actually wonderful (and it is). We should definitely be hanging on and following it.
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131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
Why would I be panting? From exertion or excitement. Could this be from doing things on my own? Exertion, it is a whole bunch of effort to "do it myself". Excitement is not always a happy place to be. Think bee in the car as you drive, very exciting! So, why would I long for His Commandments? They will guide me. They will encourage me, they will give me a peace that nothing else can. Do you feel like you have been panting lately? Go back to the Bible, get some relief from your exertion and let God "take the wheel". Been a little bit like a "bee in the car" in your life lately? Go back to God's Word to find rest for your soul.
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132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
Let's play with this a bit.
Look thou upon me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
Why does he want to be looked at like he used to be looked at?
What changed?
... and be merciful unto me...
Why? Now he needs mercy. Sin happens in all of us. Then we feel like God cannot see us the same way as when we were clean. We long for God to look upon us the same way as before. Do you love His name? Do you daily refresh yourself with His Word?
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133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Order (establish) my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity (sin) have dominion (rule) over me.
So, if my steps are established in God's Word. Then sin is not controlling me anymore. Think about this in the opposite. If my steps are not established in God's Word, then sin IS controlling me. So you get to make a choic
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134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
I like to look at the opposite to get a clearer meaning of what is being said.
Don't deliver me from the oppression of man, then I will not keep thy precepts.
Given the choice, I would much rather be delivered from man than delivered to man. How do I do that? By keeping thy precepts.
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135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
This makes me think of the sun shining through the window and the cat lying in the rays upon the carpet. They get so relaxed and happy just soaking up the sun. This should be us each day, looking for the rays of our Son shining down. Then we need to stop and soak up those rays. We need to allow Him to shine on us and rest in Him. While we are there soaking up the Son, allow Him to teach us from His Word.
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136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Have you ever cried because of other's choices? When you are watching them stumble down a wrong path. You see more than just right now, you are looking at a bigger picture and what kind of effect their choices are going to have. They are not following after God's law. They are headed down the wrong path. What can you do? Pray for them. Love them. Be there for them. Be ready to forgive any hurts once they turn around and start going down the right path. Also, keep you hope in God. He loves them more than you ever can!
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137 Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
Did you ever consider how right God is? He is never wrong. Sometimes we question what He is doing.... But he is always righteous. His Judgements (Bible) are straight on the money.
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138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
Faithful: firmness, security, fidelity, steadfastness.
Not only is God's Word faithful, says here it is very faithful. The Bible is very firm. The Bible creates a security for those who obey it's precepts. The Bible is pure and clear. The Bible is steadfast.
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139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
What is causing me to have a consuming zeal? Mine enemies have forgotten thy words. When your enemies go against the truths in the Bible, is should cause you to consistently and aggressively go against them.
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140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Pure, we love pure. Pure maple syrup vs. imitation. Pure spring water vs. who knows what's in the tap water. Etc. Ever had imitation chocolate chips, ugh!?! God's Word is pure. It makes a difference when you use pure ingredients vs. man made ones. Same with truths of the Bible. The pure Word of God makes a real difference in our lives... Therefore thy servant loveth it.
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141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
Even when we feel insignificant, we needed to turn to the Bible. We are fearfully and wonderfully made.... For a reason. Allowing God's to direct our steps means we need to hear his instruction. Read the Word!
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142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
Everlasting righteousness
Unending perpetual justice....
And
Thy law is the truth
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143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
Trouble and anguish are normal. Sometimes they even overwhelm us. It doesn't have to be that way. When you read the rest of this verse, thy commandments are my delights, you find where your enjoyment and pleaure comes from. Which side are you gonna allow to win, trouble/anguish or delight/pleasure?
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144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
Give me understanding...
Do ask for understanding? Or am I relying on my own?
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145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
With my whole heart...
How much of me is seeking after God? Is it my whole heart?
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146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
Who do I cry unto? Who will save me? Whose testimonies will I keep?
If I am crying unto anyone but God, it is in vain. He alone can save me. Once saved His Word alone can guide me.
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147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
Prevent -anticipate, meet, confront
What does tomorrow have that you are dreading? Are you anticipating the day with fear? Does sorrow or frustration have you at a breaking point before the day even begins? Hope in His Word.
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148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
Prevent = precede or come before
Watch = time period
Mine eyes (what I see our am looking at comes before the night watch (that time when you lay awake at night and ponder your life), that I might meditate (really think about and consider) in thy word (the Bible truly does have the answers).
You know how it goes. You go to bed and your brain decides it is time to truly look at ALL of your life issues. They say when you dream you are working out real problems in your life. What if you decide to surrender all the outcomes to God's perfect will, think about the peace of mind that comes from that.
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149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
Hear my voice, we need to pray
According unto thy, who are we praying to
Thy lovingkindness, that God is loving and kind
O Lord, Recognize that God is in control
Quicken me, beg God for revival
According to thy judgement, again recognizing that God is in control and that His Word is what we should be following.
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150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
Seems pretty basic but, those in mischief are far from God's Law.
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151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
Thou art near,
Makes me think of going to my children's ball games. Whether they did good or bad, often they would check the stands to see if I saw the play. Always made me feel bad for the kids whose parents did not come to the games. It was important to you them that I was near, that I saw, that I was paying attention. That is how we feel about God. We want to have "eye" contact with Him when we do good, bad, or otherwise. Just His presence comforts us.
All thy commandments are truth,
Having access to God's Word is similar. We can look into it for direction, comfort, encouragement, and reassurance. It is always "in the stands" of our lives. We just need to look to it, just like my children had to look into the stands to make eye contact with me.
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152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
Recognizing that the Bible was founded by God is a good thing. Had it only been written by men and not inspired by Him it would not be the same.
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153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
Ever wonder if God is paying attention to your current plight? Here David is telling God, "Pay attention, and deliver me!" He is also reminding God that he does not forget His Law. Sometimes, as we wait, it seems like God is not aware of our troubles. Yet He is fully aware and knows what the outcome will be, when it will be, and why we are going through it. We still need to trust as we wait.
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154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
I love how frank David is with God. Some people think when you pray it has to be formal and flowery. Now, you can be very direct and say what you mean. These verses are just that. David is talking to God. There is the understood you (God) as the subject here.
God, plead my cause.
God, deliver me.
God, quicken (revive) me, according to your Word.
Plead my cause...David realizes he needs God
Deliver me...David know his help will come from God
Quicken me, David knows he needs to be revived
Have you been talking to God lately from your heart, or just the standard flowery prayers?
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155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
Salvation, deliverance, is far from the wicked...why?
For they seek not thy statutes. They are not looking for salvation. Sheet do you find it in God's Word.
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156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
Tender mercies - compassion similar to that of a mother and her child in the womb.
Quicken - revive, make alive
Great, God has so much that it is overflowing, are thy tender mercies. O LORD, my God. Quicken me according to your Word. This means I need to be in the Bible daily to be revived. God's love for me is overflowing, I just need to actively collect it and not just let it go by.
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157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Act vs. React
Many are my persecutors--those who are against me
&
Many are mine enemies--those who attack me
Yet...
do I not decline (bend away) from thy testimonies
Act= take action, behave in a specified way
React= respond with hostility, opposition, or a contrary course of action to
No matter what they (our persecutors and enemies) do to us...we are only responsible for our response. Act, respond on purpose, with the correct heart attitude. Don't react, responding in kind or deed, to their bad behavior. Keep your focus on God's Word and respond to those around you as if Jesus was right there watching.
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158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
When I see those doing wrong around me...I am upset about how it affects me or about how they are disobeying God? Gotta make sure I have the right perspective.
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159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
Dear Lord, please remember how I love the Bible. Please allow revival in my heart, O Lord. You are full of lovingkindness, please pour it over me. Bless me. Keep me close and guide me each day.
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160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
God's Word is from the beginning to forever. It is always relevant. It never changes. It should be the basis of all of our decisions. If we temper our emotions to the ways of Scripture, we will stay emotionally settled.
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161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
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162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
Ever felt persecuted? Where does your heart go then? No matter what our circumstances, our heart should be in God's Word.
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163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
Hate, lying is my enemy
Abhor, loathe lying
But...
God's Word is truth and I love it
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164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
How often do I praise the Lord? The number seven here... I think it is like the 7x70 example elsewhere... Just to say so it oftentimes
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165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
So, I looked up the word offend here. It is more like, cause to stumble...or stumbling block. So...stick to the Bible, not only adhere to God's Word...love it. In doing so, nothing shall cause you to stumble. Does this mean you will evolve into sinless perfection? Definitely not. Thing is, if you were to look back to the times you have stumbled...were you living in a way that it was evident you loved His law? Most likely not. It is those times we forget God is in control that we begin to stumble. I love Psalm 119 and how each verse is about God's Word. We need to be continually reminded to stay in the Bible. Because when it is not our center, that is when we stumble through life. That is when we lose our peace.
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166 LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
Where is my hope? What have I done with it?
I hope in thy salvation.
I have done, am doing, and plan to do they commandments. To continue this,
I need to stay in God's Word.
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167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
Do I love the Bible exceedingly? With much abundance? If not, I should....
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168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
...all my ways are before thee...
Everything I do, is before God
Every thought, every, action, every intent, He knows.
This is why I have to keep His precepts and testimonies. Otherwise I would be not doing in the right way and He would know it.
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169 Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
WHY? This is a question I often ask. Once I understand the why, it makes it so much easier for me to follow through. Here David is asking why according to God's Word. You see, it is okay to ask why...we just need to accept the answers from the right source. According to thy word, would be the best place to get your "why" answered.
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170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
God, please supply my needs...You know what I actually need, before I even need it. Help me to rely on You for my needs. Help me not to "do it myself". Help me wait for Your timing. Deliver me according to thy Word.
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171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
Statutes - boundaries, limits, laws
When we read the Bible, we need to learn from it. It is there to teach us. First we must accept that it is from God, and that He has authority in our lives. Then we have to accept the truth in His Word. Then we can learn from it. Once we do all that, then our lips can utter praise. There is freedom in having clear boundaries laid out for you ahead of time.
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172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
Can you imagine having all your words being full of righteousness? Well, God's Word is. I'm thinking the more we put His Word in us, the better chances it is what comes out of us.....
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173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
Do we have to allow God to help us? Do we have the "I can do it myself" mentality? When we choose His Precepts, we are choosing God's way and not our way. We are allowing Him to take the lead in our lives. Can He help us even when we are not allowing Him to lead? Yes, but then....you're doing it the hard way. It's that really what you want?
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174 I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
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175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
Do I long for His salvation? This could mean deliverance or victory. Now I am already saved and secure that I am headed for Heaven someday. But how about a victorious Christian life....do I long for that? How do I attain that victory? Well, delighting in the Bible would be a great place to start.
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176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
Am I oblivious about God's Word or am I paying attention to what God has for me in there? I need to be faithful in my reading each day. Otherwise I am not focused on His instructions for me. If that is the case, I will be like the first part of the verse and go astray like a lost sheep. This does not mean losing salvation...because I am still considered a sheep. I would just be lost, no direction, stumbling down the dark hallway of life in confusion. Seek thy servant...here David is asking God to seek Him...do you want God to seek you?
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