Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Christ, Our Hiding Place…

Posted on June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 by

by Jen Thorn | Response to Love God Greatly’s study on Psalm 119 -week 5

I have always had a fascination with castles. It is a wonder that men could build such beautiful and strong structures without our modern technological advances. Something that has always fascinated me are the secret rooms and passages common in castles. Such hidden spaces in the walls, in the roof, or behind works of art were for protection and escape when under siege. During the reign of Elizabeth I of England (1558-1603) more of these secret rooms were built in order to hide and protect priests from persecution. This is how they came to be called “priest holes.”

Over the centuries people have used secret hiding places in order to protect themselves from danger. During the Second World War in Germany, many Jews were hidden in private citizens’ homes. Al Capon (a notorious Chicago mobster) had a secret hideaway bar in the suburbs of Chicago. We even hide in our basements when there is a threat of tornadoes.

We all need safe places; that is why we live in houses. We need protection from the weather, from animals, and from people who want to steal our things or hurt our families.

But there is something even more precious than wealth and health that needs protection – our hearts and our souls.

During our lifetime we experience constant ups and downs, happy days and hard days, good news and devastating news, temptations and cruelty, evil and doubt, just like the Psalmist. All of this often puts us in the most dangerous of situations.

But have you noticed what he does in Psalm 119? No matter what comes his way, he always runs to God. Even more specifically, he runs to God’s word. This is his safe place from the tumultuous life he lives, and it must be ours as well.

5 Reasons Christ Must Be our Hiding Place

1. His Strength is Unmatched

“Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God.” ~ Ps. 62:11

Our attackers are not just worldly, but also spiritual. We need to find safety in something that can protect us from the arrows of men and devils, from folly and error, sin and eternal death. The Lord is a shield who surrounds us on all sides (Ps. 3:3) and his strength ensures that the enemy can never defeat us because there is no weak spot in this shield.

2. His Secret Places are For Us

“The mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations,
but has now been manifested to His saints … which is Christ in you,
the hope of glory.” ~ Col 1:25,26

Ralph Robinson once explained the more secret a place the more safe we are. In Christ are all the mysteries and secrets of this world and the next. The secrets of who God is, who we are, and salvation itself are disclosed to us that we might enter the secret places for safety. The only way to keep our heart and soul safe is by knowing and treasuring these mysteries as they come to us in God’s word and are received by faith.

3. His Faithfulness Endures Forever

“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.” ~ Ps. 100:5

In order to feel safe you have to be able to trust the one who is protecting or hiding you. Who is more trustworthy than Christ! He always does what he says. He is true to his every word at all times and because he is perfectly good he will always do what is right.

4. His Watchfulness Guards Us

“He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” ~ Ps. 121:3,4

Castles and fortresses come with guards, but human guards are not always reliable. They grow tired and fall asleep. They may miss an approaching enemy and make the castle susceptible to defeat. But we have a guard who doesn’t doze off and is therefore never caught off guard. Enemies can’t sneak up on him and nothing can take him by surprise. Meditating on this will be a huge source of comfort for us during anything we go through.

5. His Love Ensures Our Safety

The one who would watch over us the best is the one who loves us the most. Who loves us better than Jesus? He went to unimaginable lengths to keep us safe and he will continue to do all that is necessary to ensure that none will be snatched out of his hand (Jn. 10:28) and that we arrive safe and sound in his eternal Kingdom.

We have been given everything we need for life and godliness because we have been given Christ himself. He is our shield, our fortress, and our hiding place. Like the Psalmist, let’s run to our God all the time for everything we need.

Looking To Jesus,

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Your Word is My Source of Hope

Posted on June 26, 2024June 22, 2024 by

Scripture: Psalm 119:113-120 / SOAP verses 113-115

I hate those with divided loyalties,
    but I love your instructions.
¹¹⁴You are my refuge and my shield;
    your word is my source of hope.
¹¹⁵Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,
    for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
¹¹⁶Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
    Do not let my hope be crushed.
¹¹⁷Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
    then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
¹¹⁸But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees.
    They are only fooling themselves.
¹¹⁹You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;
    no wonder I love to obey your laws!
¹²⁰I tremble in fear of you;
    I stand in awe of your regulations.
Psalm 119:113-120 NLT

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
Matthew 16:23 NLT

Observations of Today’s Journey

When our loyalty is divided between God and the world/man, we are a hindrance to the Gospel and the work of God. Actually, according to Jesus, we are an instrument of the devil! For this reason, if for no other, we must search for God – seek His Word – and love His instructions. We must use His Word as a shield and refuge – a source of HOPE – ridding ourselves of evil-minded people and determining to choose obedience to God’s commands over the fear of man or the pleasures of this world.

It has become increasingly easy for Christians in the 21st century to have divided loyalties—defined by Jesus as setting our minds on the things of man rather than on the things of God, or as the New Living Translation puts it, “seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” We tend to view things as right or wrong from the standpoint of what seems fair to us or what has become acceptable in the world/culture around us – rather than what God has deemed right or wrong in His Word. This is a dangerous way for anyone to live, but certainly for the believer. – Look again at the words of the Psalmist for what awaits the wicked.

But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws! I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations.

Just in case you find yourself thinking – yeah, but believers aren’t held to a standard of obedience – please consider the words of Christ, who said in John 14:15 –

“If you love me, obey my commandments.”

If you still find yourself wanting to make excuses and defend your choices as modern-day acceptances, then think about these words of the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome and in Galatia:

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! ¹⁶Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 6:15-16

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Still not convinced that God’s ways are always meant to supersede the ways or cultural norms of the world’s standard? Consider these words of Paul –

Living out today’s Journey through application

Let’s face it—it isn’t easy to live counterculturally, but it is God’s call upon our lives. Jesus said that if we want to follow Him, we must turn from our wicked ways, deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. We must join the Psalmist and guard against divided loyalties by keeping our eyes/minds on God and His Word, loving ‘it’ and Him more than the world and anything it has to offer us. We must be determined to live righteously rather than following the ways of what God sees and deems as wicked. We must remember that we are utterly dependent on Him (ps. 62:6-7). We must set His Word as our shield and refuge and look to Him to sustain us in our commitment to love Him by obeying His commands. We must heed the words of James, who said:

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:8

Responding to the Journey Through Prayer

Father,

It has become increasingly easy for Christians in the 21st century to have divided loyalties—which Jesus said was setting our minds on the things of man rather than on the things of God, or as the New Living Translation puts it, “seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” We tend to view things as right or wrong from the standpoint of what seems fair to us or what has become acceptable in the world/culture around us – rather than what You have deemed right or wrong in Your Word. This is a dangerous way for anyone to live, but certainly for the believer. – I join the Psalmist in declaring that You are my source of HOPE! Help me to draw near to You continually, not letting my mind be divided between You and the world. Sustain me in my commitment to obey Your commands, and rid me of any evil-minded companions. May You find me faithfully living according to Your Word and standing firm against the things You have deemed evil. – My hope is in You, Lord! – Amen and Amen –

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

DIGGING AND RUNNING TO THE VERY END…

Posted on June 25, 2024June 22, 2024 by

Scripture: Psalm 119:109-112 / SOAP verses 111-112

My life constantly hangs in the balance,
    but I will not stop obeying your instructions.
¹¹⁰The wicked have set their traps for me,
    but I will not turn from your commandments.
¹¹¹Your laws are my treasure;
    they are my heart’s delight.
¹¹²I am determined to keep your decrees
    to the very end.
Psalm 119:109-112 NLT

Today’s post is borrowed from Love God Greatly / written by Angela Perritt | Jul 15, 2015

“What a precious treasure is the Word of God! It is like a deep mine filled with gold, silver, and precious gems, and we must take time to ‘dig’ for these treasures. A mere surface reading of Scripture will not put spiritual treasure in our hearts. Mining treasure is hard work, but it is joyful work when we ‘mine’ the Bible, as the Spirit guides us into truth.” – Warren W. Wiersbe

I’ll be honest with you, I know NOTHING about mining… especially for treasures like precious gems. Unless that is, if you count me digging into my laundry pile of clean clothes for that one matching sock in the rush of the morning – then I totally get you. Ha. That one sock in the nick of time… a true gem!

“Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” ~ Psalm 119:111

Searching through Scripture, taking time to dig deeper and earnestly find that “gem” of truth takes hard work and dedication.

So let’s be honest, shall we? We don’t always feel like reading God’s Word, let alone digging into it. Yet God remains faithful to us and continues to reveal little “nuggets of manna” – just like He did for the Israelites thousands of years ago – as we choose to read His Word, giving us just what we are needing for the day.

Small “gems” of truth one at a time – morning after morning – yield a treasure chest of wisdom collected over a lifetime of digging.

The digging is worth the effort.

Friends, it’s time we get our hard hats on and shovels in hand. It’s time to start digging!

We need to choose depth over quantity.

Don’t skim Scripture. Dig into it.

Dig into Scripture verse by verse and word by word. Being committed and dedicated is key, and having that group of friends to help you do it?

Priceless.

God’s Word is alive and He speaks to us through it.

“’Living and active.’ The words of the Bible have life! Nouns with pulse rates. Muscular adjectives. Verbs darting back and forth across the page. God works through these words. The Bible is to God what a surgical glove is to the surgeon. He reaches through them to touch deep within you.”- Max Lucado

Make this your lifetime commitment:

Read the full post

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

A Guiding Light

Posted on June 24, 2024June 16, 2024 by

based on the LGG Study, Psalm 119, Seeking Him with ALL our Hearts … / w5d2

Scripture For the Journey

Psalm 119:105-108 / SOAP verses 105-106

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
    and a light for my path.
¹⁰⁶I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:
    I will obey your righteous regulations.
¹⁰⁷I have suffered much, O Lord;
    restore my life again as you promised.
¹⁰⁸Lord, accept my offering of praise,
    and teach me your regulations.
Psalm 119:105-108 NLT

Observation and Application for the Journey

Friends, God’s Word has a purpose, and for me, realizing this truth made the Word not just something read on Sunday morning or carried to Sunday school but something of value and desire. It became a resource of wisdom and light that guided my decisions and tempered my thoughts. For example, if I became angry, the Word’s light was a reminder that my anger wasn’t pleasing to God,(James 1:20-22). Or, when I ran across people that I just really didn’t like – perhaps because they had hurt me or someone I knew – the light of the Word illuminated Jesus’ words: “But I say, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”(Matt 5:44) – and when I tried to redefine what that love would look like, there was the light of the Savior’s love surrounding me and reminding me to love just as He had loved me, John 13:34. You see, when we live by the light of God’s Word we will find these reminders, and others like them, lighting up our path and guiding our decisions.

God’s Word doesn’t just have a purpose; it has power. Biblehub commentary explains that “The Word of God is a lamp or lantern to the feet by night; it is a light, as that of the sun, by day. It makes provision for the whole of life; it is the secret of life’s true sunshine; it is the guide when all around is dark.” We live in a dark and often foreboding world. We live and work among people who belong to the darkness – but we serve a God of love who sent His ONLY Son, a Savior, into the world – the Savior who has declared Himself to be the “Light of the World.” Or, as one source writes, “Jesus asserts his divine nature and his role in guiding humanity out of spiritual darkness and into the light of truth and eternal life.”

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 ESV

We are wise when we choose to follow the light that He sheds on our way. When we turn to His Word and follow its light to navigate our paths and the dark world we live in, we will not only please God but also reflect His light to the world around us—which is, after all, God’s call on our lives. For did Jesus not tell His disciples, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”? (Matthew 5:14-16)

The way is not always obvious, and the path is not always clear, but God’s Word is our guide, meant to shed light so that we can see in the darkness and live obediently by it. Why? All for the glory of God.
ME 🦋

Prayer for the Journey

Thank You, God, for shedding light on our path and for guiding our feet. Help us to walk faithfully and obediently by it. “Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness. You opened our eyes and let us see;” now, I pray, shine through us that others may see Your beauty, adore You, and share in the hope and light of a life lived with You. – In the One who is the LIGHT – I pray – AMEN!

The More We Know

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Thinking on God’s Word …

Posted on June 23, 2024June 16, 2024 by

based on the LGG Study: Psalm 119, Seeking God With ALL Your Heart / w5d1

Scripture; Psalm 119:97-104

Oh, how I love your instructions!
    I think about them all day long.
⁹⁸Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
    for they are my constant guide.
⁹⁹Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
    for I am always thinking of your laws.
¹⁰⁰I am even wiser than my elders,
    for I have kept your commandments.
¹⁰¹I have refused to walk on any evil path,
    so that I may remain obedient to your word.
¹⁰²I haven’t turned away from your regulations,
    for you have taught me well.
¹⁰³How sweet your words taste to me;
    they are sweeter than honey.
¹⁰⁴Your commandments give me understanding;
    no wonder I hate every false way of life.
Psalm 119:97-104 NLT

Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the LGG Post

by WhitneyD | Jul 12, 2015 | 25 comments

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” ~ Psalm 119:103

My kids asked me a serious question: “How do you know that guy in the drive-thru?”

Ha. “I don’t really,” I said. Except for I do – sort of.

He’s eighteen, and he’s working almost every time I pull up to the window to get my dollar drink at the fast food joint three minutes from my house – which is on a pretty regular basis during the hot summer months.

I know that he was a senior in high school last year – except for he didn’t quite graduate, so now he’s working hard to get his GED. He’s working really hard, but it’s not always easy.

I know that he’s a dedicated worker, and that someday he’d like to do more with his life. He told me so once out of the blue as he smiled and handed me my drink.

He’s outgoing and friendly and always gives my daughter a hearty hello when she rolls down the back window of the van to make silly faces and say “hi” to him. And he lights up when we greet him by his first name. I really never thought much of it, but it sure seems to mean a lot to him… even if we shallowly learned it from his work name tag.

But as we pulled up to the drive-thru window last week, he wasn’t his usual smiley self. Before I could even ask, he offered that it had been a hard week. Something about relationship problems with a girl, and that he felt like his life had no purpose.

“I’ve been there,” I said. “Hey man, do you know God?” I quickly glanced in my rearview mirror and spotted my middle schoolers discreetly sinking down into their seats in the back of the ol’ minivan. Heh.

I shared Proverbs 3:5-6 with him and talked about how my life would be a mess without God and His Word. And instead of looking at me like I was some crazy middle-aged mom who doesn’t get out much (listen, my teenagers already had that look covered), tears filled his eyes and he whispered, “I think God is trying to tell me something. You’re the third person in line today who has talked about the Bible with me.” A small smile returned as his eyes drifted away and he slowly shook his head in disbelief.

“Wanna come to church with us on Sunday?” my spunky girlie yelled through her rolled-down back window without missing a beat. Aaahhh… that-a-girl. I felt a little bad for the poor people waiting in line behind us, but not that bad. “Hey lady, I know your burger’s important, but we’re talking about Jesus up here.”

Ok, so I didn’t really say that.

But I might have thought it. Because let’s face it: too often we save God’s Word for church services and weddings and funerals and for when we want to disagree with something the world just offended us with.

But God’s Word is also for the mundane. In fact, it’s especially for the mundane.

It’s hope in the workplace and at the kitchen sink. It’s encouragement over morning coffee and in late night phone conversations. It’s peace during toddler tantrums and in adult relationship struggles. It’s life during dry seasons and purpose in the laundry pile that never ends. It’s joy in the midst of teenage break-ups and in unpredictable vehicle break-downs. It’s confidence in the unseen moments and in life’s final days.

And it’s totally God revealing himself in the middle of the drive-thru line on some random Tuesday afternoon.

“If God doesn’t rule your mundane, then he doesn’t rule you. Because that’s where you live.” ~ Paul Tripp

God has given us this incredible Book packed full of hope, encouragement, peace, life, purpose, joy and confidence, and I cringe to think of the times that I have pulled my Bible out as a last resort – in life’s big moments and in my every day mundane. And I cringe when I think about the times that I knew I should have shared it with others and I didn’t. Why do we so often go to God’s Word as a last resort when it has been gifted to us as a priceless window in to the heart of our Savior?

A gift far too precious to keep to ourselves.

God, let it be your words that we run to in the mundane. Let it be your words that flow from our lips, ready and willing to bring life and hope to those around us.

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.” ~ Psalm 119:97-98

At His feet,

*LET’S TALK: How do YOU weave God’s Word into the mundane moments of your day?

{Week 5} Challenge: In addition to your regular Bible study, incorporate God’s Word into at least ONE “mundane” moment each day this week. For example: while you’re doing dishes, listen to one chapter of the Bible from an online audio Bible source, or include encouraging Scripture in a note to a friend.

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119

GOD’S WORD – OUR LIGHT WHEN LIFE IS DARK…

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by

A Response to Week Four’s Reading of Psalm 119-73-96 / from the LGG Study or Psalm 119

God’s word truly is a treasure that is more valuable than the most outrageous amount of earthly riches (vs. 72). I pray that, like the Psalmist, God’s word would also become our most prized possession… something we could never live without.
Jen Thorn/from the LGG Team

Today’s devotional is borrowed from the LGG online devo by Jen Thorn – may it richly bless you as she points us to the treasure we have been given in God’s Word –

I know all of us have had days, weeks, and months of hardship. I am talking about days when it is hard to focus on a task because of worry, and nights that rob us of sleep. Sometimes, these hard times seem to drag on and on. After some weeks we feel emotionally worn out, like we can’t possibly handle one more thing.

We read about such a time in the life of our Psalmist in verses 81-88. Spurgeon calls this section the midnight of the Psalm. It is dark and bleak, and yet “stars shine out.”

This poor Psalmist is in a bad way. There are people after him who want to ruin him (vs. 61), others mock him (vs. 51), and they are speaking lies about him (vs. 69). He even feels like his physical life is very much in danger (vs. 87).

We all have a breaking point and the Psalmist feels that he is reaching his. He comes to a point in his trials and sufferings where he is not sure he can handle one more thing (vs.83).

“For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke…”

When wineskins were left in a smoky area, they turned dark with soot and became dry and wrinkled. This is how the Psalmist felt. He was worn out, lined with worry, marked with sadness, frustration, and probably fear.

But as Spurgeon said, this dark and bleak time also had stars. His faith continued on. He continued to cling with all his might to the word of God, knowing that at some point, night would turn to day.

This is what trials should to do us. They should push us more deeply into God’s word and therefore more tightly into the arms of God. The hardest days can’t tear true believers away from their God.

Verse 89 begins the dawning of a new day and renewed hope for the author:

“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.”

When the Psalmist is thrown around by all of his troubles, he makes sure to find his footing on the solid rock of God’s word. It is unmovable, secure and steady. This must be our footing as well. When we stand on this rock, we will find strength to fight temptation and bear affliction, power to obey, and resolve to stand firm.

How is it possible for God’s word to do all of this for us? This word is the same word which spoke everything into existence (vs.91) and which sustains the earth today (Heb 1:3). And not just the earth, but us as well. This word is filled with power because it took on flesh and became a man (John 1).

The reason we can live through the toughest days is because we have been given new life through Christ and the Spirit has taken up residence in our hearts. We do not fight alone. We do not walk through hard days alone. We do not cry alone.

Can you imagine what it would be like if we did not have God’s word? We would not know true wisdom, we would not have a place to find real comfort or joy, we would not know God, and we would not have salvation.

God’s word truly is a treasure that is more valuable than the most outrageous amount of earthly riches (vs. 72). I pray that, like the Psalmist, God’s word would also become our most prized possession… something we could never live without.

Looking To Jesus,

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

The Delight of His Word

Posted on June 19, 2024June 21, 2024 by

based on the LGG Study, Psalm 119 – Seek Him With ALL Your Heart / w4d4

Scripture: Psalm 119:89-96 / SOAP verses 89-90, 92

Your eternal word, O Lord,
    stands firm in heaven.
⁹⁰Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
    as enduring as the earth you created.
⁹¹Your regulations remain true to this day,
    for everything serves your plans.
⁹²If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,
    I would have died in my misery.
⁹³I will never forget your commandments,
    for by them you give me life.
⁹⁴I am yours; rescue me!
    For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.
⁹⁵Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
    I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.
⁹⁶Even perfection has its limits,
    but your commands have no limit.
Psalm 119:89-96 NLT

Throughout his affliction, the author clings to the truths he learns from the Scriptures, which are eternal and “stand firm in the heavens”
Gotquestions.org / Psalm 119:89-91

Throughout this Psalm, we have seen the psalmist suffer various afflictions; we have heard him cry out to God for help in one breath and declare his faithfulness to God with the next breath – even in the hard and frightening times of his life. Again today, he cries out for God to rescue him – but not before declaring the faithfulness of God’s Word and how it has sustained him with joy. By his own account, he would have died in his misery had it not been for God’s commandments. For by them, he boldly proclaims God has given him life.

I am awestruck and inspired by the psalmist’s boldness in crying out to God for help, reminding God of how hard he has worked to remember and obey His Word. Even as his life is threatened by the murderous plots of others, the psalmist vows to keep his mind on God’s law. Surely, he has learned what we must learn and put into practice – when our minds are fixed on God and His Word – we will know His peace that transcends all troubles and concerns. His Word has the power that we need for any and every situation. Be it fear or strife, heartache or need, forgiveness or wisdom… His Word stands firm and able to rescue us and guide us to safe pastures.

The More We Know

This is some wonderful commentary I found on some of today’s verses – I hope it is a helpful blessing to take you deeper into our journey. You can find even more commentary on Psalm 119 by following this link https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-119/

(92-93) The sustaining power of God’s word.

Unless Your law had been my delight,
I would then have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have given me life.

a. Unless Your law had been my delight: The psalmist rejoiced that the word of God had been his delight. Reading and studying and meditating on God’s word were not burdensome; they were a delight.

i. We can speculate that one reason this was so was because God met him in His word. When we have fellowship with God in and through His word, it makes our time in His law delightful.

b. I would then have perished in my affliction: The psalmist knew that without his relationship with God and His word, he would not have been sustained in his season of affliction.

i. Again, it should be stressed that this delight goes beyond mere Bible knowledge. It is the relationship with God in and through His word that gives strength and spiritual nourishment.

ii. “What got him through his afflictions was his lifelong habit of reading, marking, learning, meditating upon, spiritually digesting, and above all obeying God’s Law.” (Boice)

iii. “‘Thy law…my delights…in mine affliction.’ I happened to be standing in a grocer’s shop one day in a large manufacturing town in the west of Scotland, when a poor, old, frail widow came in to make a few purchases. There never was, perhaps, in that town a more severe time of distress. Nearly every loom was stopped. Decent and respectable tradesmen who had seen better days, were obliged to subsist on public charity. So much money per day (but a trifle at most) was allowed to the really poor and deserving. The poor widow had received her daily pittance, and she had now come into the shop of the grocer to lay it out to the best advantage. She had but a few coppers in her withered hands. Carefully did she expend her little stock – a pennyworth of this and the other necessary of life nearly exhausted all she had. She came to the last penny, and with a singular expression of heroic contentment and cheerful resignation on her wrinkled face, she said, ‘Now I must buy oil with this, that I may see to read my Bible during these long dark nights, for it is my only comfort now when every other comfort has gone away.’” (Alexander Wallace, cited in Spurgeon)

c. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life: The psalmist remembered the life-giving power and character of God’s word. It was this life that strengthened him in the season of affliction.

i. God’s word brings life because it is alive. “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me. The Bible is not antique or modern. It is eternal.” (Luther, cited in Boice)

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Crying Out to God

Posted on June 18, 2024June 16, 2024 by

based on the LGG Study, Psalm 119 – Seek Him With ALL Your Heart / w4d3

Scripture: Psalm 119:86-88 / SOAP verse 86-88

All your commands are trustworthy.
    Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.
⁸⁷They almost finished me off,
    but I refused to abandon your commandments.
⁸⁸In your unfailing love, spare my life;
    then I can continue to obey your laws.
Psalm 119:86-88 NLT

Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the original LGG Post for w4d3 of Psalm 119… May it be a rich blessing of encouragement and hope –

CRYING OUT TO GOD…

by Angela Perritt | Jul 8, 2015 | 38 comments

Seeking, longing, searching… this poor Psalmist is waiting on the Lord to deliver him from this affliction.

He is trying to remain strong, but he is growing weary, feeling as though he could faint. His eyes are tired from looking for glimpses of God.

Have you ever been there? I know I have.

The Psalmist knows that God loves him, but the questions are building in his mind: “How much longer, Lord?” “When will you comfort me?” (Psalm 119:82).

He is needing a break.

If his life was a football game, he’d be calling a time out.

Let’s just say that the path he is walking is no “walk in the park.” It may be the “straight and narrow,” but God never called it “easy.”

I love the honestly of this Psalmist. He’s just real with God. He’s over this affliction he has been going through, and he’s ready for God to move in and pronounce judgment over the men who have been causing him so much pain.

“Enough is enough,” you can almost hear him say.

“When will you punish my persecutors?” The question that has been taunting him in his mind finally breaks free (Psalm 119:84).

“How much more?”

God is building this man’s patience and faith.

As before, the Psalmist turns to God’s commands and declares them trustworthy… even in the midst of the unknown.

“Help me…” (vs. 86).

It’s not a fancy prayer, but it’s genuine and comes straight from the Psalmist’s heart. God will take simple and heartfelt prayers over fancy and routine any day.

And so we find our Psalmist friend waiting on the Lord to intervene. To be his Deliverer, his Redeemer, his Savior.

But in the waiting, he doesn’t lose hope. And neither should we.

I’m not sure why God is waiting so long to deliver this poor man from this difficult situation, but I do know this: God is good and what He does is good. And so we continue to seek the Lord, placing our trust and hope in Him.

One of the many beautiful aspects of being a Christian is that no matter how dark our life is right now, we always have heaven to look forward to.

Our best is yet to come.

And so like the Psalmist, we find ourselves in the waiting.

Waiting for God to move.

Waiting for “doors” to open.

Waiting for a break in our “storms.”

And in the waiting God is there.

Though we may feel like we are being torn down, He is building strength into us. As we dig into His Word and ponder Scripture – holding His promises closer to our hearts than ever before – we cling to His truth. What Satan may have tried to hurt us with, God uses to bring us closer to Him, strengthening us in our faith and increasing our capacity for greater patience.

Like the Psalmist, maybe you too feel weak, like you are ready to “tap out” of the battle. It’s just getting too hard.

Know this… you are not alone.

“Rest on His promises and rely on His love. When the Father allows His children to go into the furnace of affliction, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. He knows how long and how much. To walk by faith will bring unrest and weakness, but to meditate on the Word will bring peace and power.” –Warren W. Wiersbe

No matter what you are facing today, remember that God is strengthening you and purifying you for a greater purpose.

Keep your eyes focused on Him. He will not forsake you.

Let’s Talk: How is God using your time of “waiting” to strengthen you in your faith?

Love God Greatly!

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Waiting

Posted on June 17, 2024June 16, 2024 by

based on Psalm 119, Seeking Him with ALL our hearts… – A Love God Greatly Study/w4d2

Scripture: Psalm 119:81-85 / SOAP verses 81, 83-84

I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
    but I have put my hope in your word.
⁸²My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
    When will you comfort me?
⁸³I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
    but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.
⁸⁴How long must I wait?
    When will you punish those who persecute me?
⁸⁵These arrogant people who hate your instructions
    have dug deep pits to trap me.
Psalm 119:81-85 NLT

At first glance, this psalm may seem like a complaint, and perhaps it was. However, for me, it offers encouragement and a bit of a boost in the relationship I see between the Psalmist and God – as well as the determination and commitment of the Psalmist to stay faithful even when the waiting seems like it will never end. The Psalmist is tired of waiting, asking again and again – “When will You …?” or “How long …” Yet, even in the waiting, he remained hopeful, he kept his eyes fixed on God and His promises, and he continued to obey God’s decrees and trust Him to act on his behalf. Oh, that I might be so faithful in the times of waiting.

I just returned from Disney with my daughters and my 2-year-old grandson, and I couldn’t help but think of them as I observed the words and actions of the Psalmist. If you’ve never been to Disney, you may not be able to picture the amount of waiting that is required, and when you stay on the property, the waiting is compounded. I don’t know that waiting comes easy for anyone, but it certainly doesn’t come easy for a 2-year-old.

We waited in line to check in at the airport, we waited in security, we waited through two delays to board the plane, we waited to take off, we waited on our bus to the resort, and for four wonderful days, we waited in line after line for rides and food and characters and transportation … over and over, we waited and over and over we heard the 2-year-old version of the Psalmist’s questions of “how long?” or “when?” – which typically sounded like, “my turn?” or “I’m ready, go.”

Each day and each waiting experience brought more confidence that the ride, food, transportation, or character would eventually come. As that confidence grew, so too did his patience. Like the Psalmist, our little guy learned that even when he was worn out with waiting, the line we were in was leading to the promised adventure. He would strain to see the ‘promised’ ride and found hope in what he could see ahead – or when he couldn’t see it, he found hope in our reminders of what was coming.

This is the encouragement I see in the Psalmist in today’s passage. The waiting wasn’t easy—it left him weary and worn, but he remembered God’s promises. He kept his eyes on the prize, and he did not lose hope or forget to obey.

Living out the Journey (Application)

Waiting isn’t easy, but learning to wait well is important in the Christian life. The key is to keep our eyes on the Lord, remembering His promises, knowing that He is trustworthy and putting our hope in Him. Waiting is not an excuse to go off on our own or do things our own way. Though we may grow weary in the wait, we must not forget to live as God has called us to. Like my grandson, we must learn to expect what God has promised – be it His presence, His protection or provision, His comfort, or the new heaven and earth – what He has promised – He will do! And the wait will be worth it all!

Response to the Journey (Prayer)

Father, You are God—faithful and true to Your Word. You are worthy of our trust no matter the wait—worthy even when we can’t see You anywhere. Even when we are in danger or weary and worn, we can trust You. Help us to wait with hope—our eyes straining and fixed on Your promises—our resolve to obey You unshaken! In Jesus’ name—amen and amen!

The More We Know

Why is waiting on God so difficult?

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

His Unfailing LOVE

Posted on June 16, 2024June 16, 2024 by

Scripture: Psalm 119:73-80 / SOAP verses 75-79

You made me; you created me.
    Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
⁷⁴May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
    for I have put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;
    you disciplined me because I needed it.
⁷⁶Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
    just as you promised me, your servant.
⁷⁷Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
    for your instructions are my delight.
⁷⁸Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
    meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
⁷⁹Let me be united with all who fear you,
    with those who know your laws.
⁸⁰May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
    then I will never be ashamed.
Psalm 119:73-80 NLT

Today’s Post is by Joy, a member of the LGG Team

We are in verses Psalm 119:73-80 today, and there is so much richness in these verses. I’m not going to be able to cover all of them, so I want to camp on just a few.

Verses 76-77 say this: “Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me that I may live. For your law is my delight.”

The Psalmist is crying out to God for His favor. As we saw in verse 75, he owned God’s justice for his affliction – which is a big deal – and is now asking God for His mercy.

God’s steadfast love is a comfort. It is THE comfort {verse 76}. As the Matthew Henry commentary says, “Gracious souls fetch all their comfort from a gracious God, as the fountain of all happiness and joy.”

I love the word comfort!

Then it goes on… “For your law is my delight.” God’s word becomes a delight- a comfort to our souls.

So let me ask you:

Where are you turning for comfort? Is it giving you lasting and true satisfaction? Or, as Dr. Phil would say, “How’s that workin’ for ya?”

My challenge for this week is this: Turn your heart back to the Lord and His steadfast love. Ask Him for His blessed mercy and experience His steadfast love as you read and meditate on His Word.

With Love From Uganda,

Week 4 Challenge:
Turn your heart back to the Lord and His steadfast love. Ask Him for His blessed mercy and experience His steadfast love as you read and meditate on His Word.