READING: Psalm 119:89-176
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: Today’s reading is the final eleven sections (stanzas) of the longest chapter in the Bible. Even as the psalmist struggles with his enemies, he finds his hope in God and His Word. As in the previous devotion of 05/30/15, I again must evaluate my commitment to the Word in light of that Word.
1. I must determine my level of obedience to the Word.
The psalmist’s words about his commitment to the Word are convicting and challenging:
119:101 I have kept my feet from every evil path to follow Your word.
119:112 I am resolved to obey Your statutes to the very end.
119:128-129 I carefully follow all Your precepts and hate every false way. Your decrees are wonderful; therefore I obey them.
119:167-168 I obey Your decrees and love them greatly. I obey Your precepts and decrees, for all my ways are before You.
2. I must recognize the relationship between obedience to the Word and the power of prayer.
At several points in the latter sections of this psalm, the writer connects the Word and prayer in ways that are unmistakeable. How important it is we understand that our love for the Word and our belief in prayer cannot be separated.
119:145-148 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord. I will obey Your statutes. I call to You; save me, and I will keep Your decrees. I rise before dawn and cry out for help; I put my hope in Your word. I am awake through each watch of the night to meditate on Your promise.
119:169-173 Let my cry reach You, Lord; give me understanding according to Your word. Let my plea reach You; rescue me according to Your promise. My lips pour out praise, for You teach me Your statutes. My tongue sings about Your promise, for all Your commands are righteous. May Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts.
PRAYER: Let’s pray that all of us will not only long for the Word today, but that we will also obey that Word. May God help us to love Him, love His Word, and pray powerfully this day.
TOMORROW’S READING: Song of Solomon 1-8
