Daily Devotions

This mornings thoughts come from Psalm 119:169-176.
This closing 22nd stanza of Psalm 119 repeats many of the themes of the previous 21 stanzas and they summarize this epic to the majesty of the Word of God.
Seven passages contain prayer for “understanding,” which depends on the gracious ministry of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds according to John 14:26. Our finite minds cannot understand God’s eternal truths apart from revelation and the “mind of Christ” granted at salvation according to 1 Corinthians 2:16.
Thirteen passages use “according to thy word.” Nothing that we can do pleases God more than our efforts to “magnify” His Word in our lives and ministries (Psalm 138:2). Every sentient creature will be judged according to Revelation 20:12 by what is “written in the books, according to their works.”
Eight stanzas include the prayer to have God “teach.” Again, apart from the Holy Spirit in our “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17), we would be empty of both understanding and wisdom. Through reading and meditating on God’s Word after salvation, we grow effective and gain maturity as a believer.
The writer also promised in eight stanzas to “not forget.” Our minds need to become stabilized with memorized Scripture and our hearts ready and sanctified with the stored Word of God so that we can “give an answer” both to those who ask us (1 Peter 3:15) and when we need guidance for our own life decisions (Colossians 1:10).
The Psalm ends in verses 173-176 with a prayer for all of us.
Today, take the time to read and meditate on this passage of Scripture.