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Every Sunday A Psalms: Delight In God's Law
1/08/2017

Daily Devotions: by Christina Farris

Psalms 119:1-176 KJV
(1) ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
(2) Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
(3) They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
(4) Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
(5) O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
(6) Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
(7) I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
(8) I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
(9) BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
(10) With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
(11) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
(12) Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
(13) With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
(14) I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
(15) I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
(16) I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
(17) GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
(18) Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
(19) I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
(20) My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
(21) Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
(22) Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
(23) Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
(24) Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
(25) DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
(26) I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
(27) Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
(28) My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
(29) Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
(30) I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
(31) I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
(32) I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
(33) HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
(34) Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
(35) Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
(36) Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
(37) Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
(38) Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
(39) Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
(40) Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
(41) VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
(42) So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
(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.
(46) I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
(47) And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
(48) My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
(49) ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
(50) This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
(51) The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
(52) I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
(53) Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
(54) Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
(55) I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
(56) This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
(57) CHETH. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
(58) I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
(59) I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
(60) I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
(61) The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
(62) At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
(63) I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
(64) The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
(65) TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
(66) Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
(67) Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
(68) Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
(69) The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
(70) Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
(71) It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
(72) The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
(73) JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
(74) They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
(75) I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
(76) Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
(77) Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
(78) Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
(79) Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
(80) Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
(81) CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
(82) Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
(83) For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
(84) How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
(85) The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
(86) All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
(87) They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
(88) Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
(89) LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
(90) Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
(91) They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
(92) Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
(93) I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
(94) I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
(95) The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
(96) I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
(97) MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
(98) Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
(99) I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
(100) I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
(101) I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
(102) I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
(103) How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
(104) Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
(105) NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(106) I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
(107) I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
(108) Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
(109) My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
(110) The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
(111) Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
(112) I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
(113) SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
(114) Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
(115) Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
(116) Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
(117) Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
(118) Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
(119) Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
(120) My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
(121) AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
(122) Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
(123) Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
(124) Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
(125) I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
(126) It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
(127) Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
(128) Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
(129) PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
(130) The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
(131) I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
(132) Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
(133) Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
(134) Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
(135) Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
(136) Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
(137) TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
(138) Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
(139) My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
(140) Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
(141) I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
(142) Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
(143) Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
(144) The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
(145) KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
(146) I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
(147) I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
(148) Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
(149) Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
(150) They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
(151) Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
(152) Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
(153) RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
(154) Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
(155) Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
(156) Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
(157) Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
(158) I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
(159) Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
(160) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
(161) SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
(162) I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
(163) I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
(164) Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
(165) Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
(166) LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
(167) My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
(168) I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
(169) TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
(170) Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
(171) My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
(172) My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
(173) Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
(174) I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
(175) Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
(176) I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

There are times in life we go to school and sit in a class only to discover our desire to learn is not there. In fact our mind wonders out the window of the room only to discover we really needed what the teacher was trying to teach us. Someone once asked an algebra teacher what was the point of learning algebra. In truth I may of used algebraic equation once or twice since being an adult. The value some would say not so important. Yet Geometry class had more value to me. Yet if I was scientist, pharmacist, or doctor algebra, calculus might have had some value to me. This is the longest Psalms in scripture and today there be some skimming it and some delighting in God�s Word.

To delight in God�s word is to have a desire to learn God�s word. Now you may love God and not delight in learning all that is in scripture. In truth to be a discipline student of scripture takes as much work as most relationships. One has to take the good parts with the bad, in other words the boring parts, along with exciting parts of scripture to understand the need for scripture as a whole. No one wants to talk of scripture being boring or mundane at times, but it can be, if your delight in not in God�s word. Our minds chase many rabbits all day long, going to and fro through things we must do, might like to do and will do. To delight and mediate on God�s law takes time to dwell and mediate on God�s word. To take time to learn it.

Do you love learning God�s word. Maybe after 176 verse you saying this Psalms is easy to read and I will say I agree. Yet unless you ready to hear about desiring to know God this can be a bit repetitive. It okay not to be able to read a repetitive passage of scripture when first learning scripture. Not to always feel like eating the honey of the word of God, because often the word becomes bitter once swallowed. The light being in our thoughts of God words and the taste of it but when it gets to the pit of the stomach or the center of the heart the reality one does not live up to it reach a point of bitterness, because in truth not only to we not do it, our desire and our delight to do God�s word is not completely there.

Do not be ashamed of where you are in faith and receiving all God has to offer in scripture. Learn to take the size bits you can absorb. Take time to work on each part of scripture in your daily life. How can God�s word change you, first learn to meditate on it. To think really think on scripture. Then see if you can apply the truth of it to your life. Well seasoned Christians that live righteously before God were not always so seasoned. Each believer has there own struggles and areas of weakness and strengths. If reading is not there completely do not fret about it. Take in what you can as often as you can. Just do not give up in learning God�s word. Do not stop delighting in what you can absorb of God�s word.

This psalmist delighted in God�s word, hungered for God�s word, and wanted God�s word daily in his life. He wanted to learn God�s word to the poin the lived righteously before God and his peers. Are we living up to God�s standards and ways. Many of us struggle with God�s way. The tempter ensnares us to do the desire of the world verses the ways of God. Our thought and action not in check. It can be simply wanting to repost that inappropriate face book image, or thought, only to know God just would not approve, but because it hilarious you do it anyway.

There is point to delight in God�s law to desire it, is only the beginning. It after the desire we learn to do it. If only to care for someone else, to love others the way God loves us conditionally, if only to hope to make a small difference in someone life so they have the same hope in Jesus that a believer will have of eternal life with God. Take time to know the good things of God and not just God�s judgment of sin and those things God not please with that one does. To know God protection and mercy in one�s life, despite our desire and failures to do God�s will. Eat a little of the word of God might be where you are today and tomorrow you might be eating whole pages of the word of God desiring all He has to offer you. Do not give up.

Dear Heavenly Father give us the hope your word brings through the quiet mediation of your word. Instill the value of knowing your word so we can delight in it. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study for Devotion:James 1:21-25 KJV
(21) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
(22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
(24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
(25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.