Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭73‬-‭80‬…Trust

 “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I can learn your commands. Those who fear you will see me and rejoice, for I put my hope in your word. I know, Lord, that your judgments are just and that you have afflicted me fairly. May your faithful love comfort me as you promised your servant. May your compassion come to me so that I may live, for your instruction is my delight. Let the arrogant be put to shame for slandering me with lies; I will meditate on your precepts. Let those who fear you, those who know your decrees, turn to me. May my heart be blameless regarding your statutes so that I will not be put to shame.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭73‬-‭80‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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I know, Lord, that your judgments are just and that you have afflicted me fairly. May your faithful love comfort me as you promised your servant.

Lord help me to trust in your plans…not my own.

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭65‬-‭72‬…Numbness vs Delight

 “Lord, you have treated your servant well, just as you promised. Teach me good judgment and discernment, for I rely on your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good, and you do what is good; teach me your statutes. The arrogant have smeared me with lies, but I obey your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are hard and insensitive, but I delight in your instruction. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn your statutes. Instruction from your lips is better for me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭65‬-‭72‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, I feel like I could have written this section…I have experienced this so accurately.  

Having a hard and insensitive heart, is so easy…it feels normal, and nothing seems like it is a big deal.  This is an easy way to float through life…but it is not filled with your blessing.  Blessing comes from knowing You and following Your commands!

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭57‬-‭64‬…Knowing God

 “The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep your words. I have sought your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I thought about my ways and turned my steps back to your decrees. I hurried, not hesitating to keep your commands. Though the ropes of the wicked were wrapped around me, I did not forget your instruction. I rise at midnight to thank you for your righteous judgments. I am a friend to all who fear you, to those who keep your precepts. Lord, the earth is filled with your faithful love; teach me your statutes.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭57‬-‭64‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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The Lord is my portion…how incredible that God lets us know Him, that He desires to know us!  How amazing that He gives us Himself!!!

all who fear you, to those who keep your precepts… to know God is to love Him, to love Him is to obey.  That is sad to consider because it means that I don’t know or love God, when I choose to do what I want over what God desires.

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭49‬-‭56‬…Tragedy to Blessing

 “Remember your word to your servant; you have given me hope through it. This is my comfort in my affliction: Your promise has given me life. The arrogant constantly ridicule me, but I do not turn away from your instruction. Lord, I remember your judgments from long ago and find comfort. Fury seizes me because of the wicked who reject your instruction. Your statutes are the theme of my song during my earthly life. Lord, I remember your name in the night, and I obey your instruction. This is my practice: I obey your precepts.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭49‬-‭56‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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The author talks about remembering Gods name in the night…it stands out to me that Gods name really is His reputation (who He is, what He stands for, and His character).  Then in reference to the night, he is likely referring to  emotional darkness, discouragement, depression or teals…where there seems to be nothing but bad news.  I can relate to this!  

Some days when I feel discouraged about disappointment in life, I just remember who God is and what He has done in the past.  It is a great encouragement because so many times He has done the very thing that seemed impossible, that transformed a tragedy into a blessing!  That gives me hope that One day He will do that again!

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭41‬-‭48‬…I Read The Instructions

 “Let your faithful love come to me, Lord, your salvation, as you promised. Then I can answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take the word of truth from my mouth, for I hope in your judgments. I will always obey your instruction, forever and ever. I will walk freely in an open place because I study your precepts. I will speak of your decrees before kings and not be ashamed. I delight in your commands, which I love. I will lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and will meditate on your statutes.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭41‬-‭48‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, you have indeed blessed my life because of my understanding of your Word.  I see this passage played out in my life, and the victories or blessings come from following You.  Doing what You tell me works so well and people love to have me around, because You designed life and how it should work.  And it works best when you follow the instructions of the maker!  Thank you for loving me!!!

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭33‬-‭40‬…Confirmation

 “Teach me, Lord, the meaning of your statutes, and I will always keep them. Help me understand your instruction, and I will obey it and follow it with all my heart. Help me stay on the path of your commands, for I take pleasure in it. Turn my heart to your decrees and not to dishonest profit. Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in your ways. Confirm what you said to your servant, for it produces reverence for you. Turn away the disgrace I dread; indeed, your judgments are good. How I long for your precepts! Give me life through your righteousness.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭33‬-‭40‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Confirmation of Gods Word is so valuable because it reinforces the truth and gives confidence that I am interpreting it accurately.  I need that.  I can so easily twist the Word into what I want it to mean, which essentially means I am following my own way and not Gods…spoiler alert…that method leads to disappointment, frustration and suffering!

Gods ways lead to life!  Eternal Life today, is knowing God and following Jesus!  Eternal life in heaven is unending presence of God in a perfect place with a perfect body.

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭25‬-‭32‬…Strengthened

 “My life is down in the dust; give me life through your word. I told you about my life, and you answered me; teach me your statutes. Help me understand the meaning of your precepts so that I can meditate on your wonders. I am weary from grief; strengthen me through your word. Keep me from the way of deceit and graciously give me your instruction. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set your ordinances before me. I cling to your decrees; Lord, do not put me to shame. I pursue the way of your commands, for you broaden my understanding.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭25‬-‭32‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, You have given us so much through Your Word, yet I often overlook its value.  Help me to see how much spiritual strength I gain when I go to Your Word rather than my own thoughts/plans.  You are gracious to give us all we need for life, if only we would open the Bible!