Psalm 119:105-112

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GOOD MORNING! Today we are reading verses 105 through 112 of Psalm 119. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end." [1]

You and I are travelers through "Life's little day." We often find ourselves walking in dark and cluttered places. Well for us that we never venture there without the light-giving word of the LIVING GOD!

The Scriptures were written and passed down to us for our benefit. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." [2]

Each one of us needs to personally become like the one spoken of in Psalm 1: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." [3] For it is the living word of the living God that provides the light we need and must have to see and to walk through this world.

Let the darkness settle down around us; the Scriptures, like a flaming torch, reveal the way of life. Under the influence of the clear light of knowledge, the Psalmist has firmly made up his mind, and solemnly declares his resolve in the presence of the LORD; and pledges himself to abide faithful to the determinations and the decisions of his God. "I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. … Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD."

There is really no value in extorted confessions. God's revenues are not derived from forced taxations, but from freewill offerings. "By him [the LORD JESUS CHRIST] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."[4]

The work of grace is brought to the life through faith. "Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all." [5]

"My soul is continually in my hand: yet I do not forget thy law." The Psalmist was living in physical danger. Yet, like the apostle, he is saying, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that …[nothing]… shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." [6]

"Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever:" The word of the LORD God as his lot, his portion, his estate; and what is more, he has laid hold upon the Scriptures, taking them into personal possession and enjoyment. To know the doctrine, to enjoy the promise, to practice the command, this is to lay hold on the riches that are ours in CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

Blessed be the LORD, we have been born again "to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away." [7] What God so freely gives, we take by faith. That which rejoices the heart is sure to be chosen and treasured. This is not head knowledge, but heart treasure which brings joy. "Thy testimonies … are the rejoicing of my heart."

God's precious word promises, "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."[8] When once our hearts rejoice in the word of God, we greatly prize it, and become forever united to the Author by the illumination of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

"Word of the everlasting God,
Will of his glorious Son;
Without thee how could earth be trod,
Or heaven itself be won?

Lord, grant us all a right to learn
The wisdom it imparts;
And to its heavenly teaching turn,
With simple, child-like hearts."[9]

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

AMEN.



[1] Psalm 119:105-112
[2] Romans 15:4
[3] Psalm 1:1-3
[4] Hebrews 13:15-16
[5] Romans 4:16
[6] Romans 8:37-39
[7] 1 Peter 1:4
[8] Isaiah 12:3
[9] From "Lamp of Our Feet, Whereby We Trace" by Bernard Barton

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