Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:33-34

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)


God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)

Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 33, 34: Provides Application

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Psalm 119:33-34

Teach. Keep. Give. Keep. Observe. 

Teach: a primitive root; properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot)
Keep: guard with fidelity, observe
Give: a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand -- attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern
Observe: A primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc. be circumspect 

O Eternal One, show me how to live according to Your statutes, and I will keep them always. Grant me understanding so that I can keep Your law and keep it wholeheartedly. Psalm 119:33, 34 (VOICE)

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I will [steadfastly] observe it to the end.Give me understanding [a teachable heart and the ability to learn], that I may keep Your law; and observe it with all my heart. Psalm 119:33, 34 (AMP)

A teachable heart and the ability to learn — and apply what is learned. When we study God's Word, we should be learning and with that learning comes the responsibility to act on what we learn. 

A teachable heart and ability to learn. Oh, that would be my prayer each day as I study God's Word. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:30-32

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)
God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 30-32: Provides Goals

I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame!I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.Psalm 119:30-32

Have chosen: select

Cling: cleave to, figurative of loyalty, affection etc., sometimes with idea of physical proximity retained, to impinge

Will run:  to run for whatever reason, especially to rush

Three specific verbs. Three specific actions. Three specific goals. 

Make a choice. Stick with that choice. Continue to follow that choice. 

Will my actions and goals be determined by my desires, the desires the media (social/news) portrays, or will they be based on the solid Word of God? 

Three specific verbs. Choose. Cling. Run. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:29

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 29: Provides Understanding

Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously. Psalm 119:29

Remove from me - Take it from me; cause it to depart; let me not be under its influence or power.
The way of lying - Every false, deceitful, hypocritical way. We are not to suppose that the psalmist was addicted to lying, but that he felt he was, like all people, in danger of acting from false views, from wrong motives, or under the influence of delusion and deceit. 
And grant me thy law graciously - The knowledge of thy law; grace to obey thy law. The single word rendered “grant graciously” is a word which implies the idea of mercy or favor. It was not a thing which he claimed as a right; it was that for which he was dependent on the mercy of God.Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

"False News" is the buzz word of the day. But what really is "false news"? Is it news which we disagree? Is it news that shocks us? What is the determining factor that classifies news as false? 

The way of lying seems to be the way of life. People say whatever they want, if it promotes their cause, or justifies their actions. Oh, it doesn't matter if it's not based on facts—as no one check to see if it's true if it sounds good. 

However, God has set the standard. And "False" anything is not just an opinion, it's lying! We need to stop justifying sin and call it what it is. They only way to know the truth is to study the facts—and that begins with God's Word.

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:28

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 28: Provides Encouragement 

My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word. Psalm 119:28

Melts: to weep, pour out
Heaviness: depression (of spirits); concretely a grief, sorrow
Strengthen: confirm, establish, be upheld

My soul dissolves because of grief; renew and strengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word. Psalm 119:28 (AMP)

The idea of melting is not properly in the word, and the term weep would better express the meaning. His soul seemed to drop tears. It overflowed with tears. Yet there is an idea of abundant or constant weeping. It is not a gush of emotion, as when we say of one that he is “bathed in tears;” it is the idea of a steady flow or dropping of tears - slow, silent, but constant - as if the soul were dripping away or dissolving. Thus the idea is more striking and beautiful than that of melting. It is quiet but continuous grief that slowly wears away the soul. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible)

Depression and grief are all consuming. It's like a heavy weight has been set on you. You feel like you are drowning and can't come up for air. 

Strengthen: uphold, rise up, endure

When we find ourselves overwhelmed, we need to turn to God and His Word. We need to fill our minds with His word so that our thoughts are focused on 
"things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8) [For more on Philippians 4:8, start here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2016/07/thinking-effects-everything.html]

Will thinking on God's Word change your circumstances? No. Will thinking on God's Word remove your pain or frustration? No. 
So, why do it? Because what thinking on God's Word will do is give you a new perspective. You will focus on the facts of God. Remember God does not change. He was and is the same before you found yourself in the situation you are. He is still the same Almighty God that He was BEFORE whatever happened. In a life of uncertainty, ever-changing circumstances, God is the constant! 

If you find yourself melting, turn to the security of God Himself.

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:26, 27

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 26, 27: Provides Knowledge

I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes.

Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. Psalm 119:26, 27

Meditate: commune, declare, muse, pray, speak, talk with, to ponder
Wonderful: to be surpassing or extraordinary

The more I understand who God is and learn of what He commands, I am not only to act in obedience, but I should be in awe of His extraordinary accomplishments. The more I ponder who God is and all He's done, then my heart is prepared to act in obedience to Him.

Learn. Understand. Meditate. Act. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:25

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 25: Provides Revival & Rejuvenation

My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word. Psalm 119:25

Revive: himself with fulness of life in his favor

According to your word: advice, answer, promise

“Quicken thou me according to thy word. By thy providence put life into my affairs, by thy grace put life into my affections; cure me of my spiritual deadness and make me lively in my devotion.” Note, When we find ourselves dull we must go to God and beg of him to quicken us; he has an eye to God's word as a means of quickening (for the words which God speaks, they are spirit and they are life to those that receive them), and as an encouragement to hope that God would quicken him, having promised grace and comfort to all the saints, and to David in particular. God's word must be our guide and plea in every prayer. (Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible)

Find yourself discouraged? We find joy, peace, and comfort in God and His Word. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:24

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 24: Provides Wisdom

Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors. Psalm 119:24

Delight:  enjoyment, pleasure
Counselors: prudence, advice, purpose

He sought direction and advice from them as from a friend who would give him counsel. He looked to the revealed law of God to ascertain what was right; to know how he should act in the emergencies of life. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible)

What should I do? How should I act? What should I say? Questions we all ask ourselves. The true answer is actually simple — do, act and say — exactly as God would. And we learn the specifics from His Word. 

Wisdom. Everyday practical wisdom. Available from the One who created us. The question comes down to — will I follow the advice of God Almighty? 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:22, 23

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)


God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 22, 23: Provides Protection

Remove from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.
Princes also sit and speak against me, but Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Psalm 119:22, 23

Kept: Guard with fidelity, keep, observe, to guard, to protect, obey
Meditates: to ponder  i.e. (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter 

What the princes did or said against him did not divert his mind, or take off his thoughts from the word of God, and the ordinances of it; he thought of them, he spoke and discoursed of them; he declared them — he was not afraid nor ashamed to profess his regard unto them. (John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible)

No matter what others say. No matter what others think. No matter what others may do. No matter — God's word is to be obeyed. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:21

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)

Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 21: Provides Judgment

You rebuke the proud—the cursed, who stray from Your commandments. Psalm 119:21

Rebuke: to chide

Proud: arrogant, presumptuous

Cursed: execrate

Stray:  go astray morally

Commandments: ordinance, precept

The sense is, “I propose and intend to keep thy law. As a motive to this, I look at the consequences which must follow from disobeying it. I see it everywhere in the divine treatment of those who do disregard that law. They are subject to the displeasure - the solemn rebuke - of God. So all must be who disregard his law; and it is my purpose not to be found among their number.” (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible)

Consequences. There are consequences for disobedience. And those consequences are not hidden—rather there are many examples throughout Scripture. Knowing that God does judge, should provide the motivation to obey Him. 

God's Word provides judgment and make is clear as to what is right and wrong. God's Word doesn't change to fit our circumstances and wishes. Rather God's Word remains steadfast and unchangeable — just as God does. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:20

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)

Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 20: Provides Longing

My soul breaks with longing for Your judgments at all times. Psalm 119:20

My soul: living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion 

Breaks: to crush; intransitively and figuratively to dissolve

With longing: desire

Judgments: divine law

At all: in all manner

Times: due season, so long as

(My soul breaks) expressive of the greatness, vehemence, and eagerness of his mind after the thing he desired — the righteous laws and precepts of God are designed, which he desired to have a more perfect knowledge of, and yield a more constant obedience. (John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible)

The desire for something is so strong, that it seems to consume your thoughts, and you find it hard to function, as you anticipate fulfilling that desire. That same desire is produced the more one studies and reads the Bible — and applies it. 

My prayer is for a longing for knowing God and living in constant obedience to Him. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:19

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)

Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 19: Provides Perception

I am a stranger in the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. Psalm 119:19

Stranger: temporary dweller, new-comer with no inherited rights

Hide: be absent, conceal, keep secret

Not: never, no

Commandments: which was commanded, law, ordinance, precept

The feeling is that of one in a strange land who would desire, if possible, to keep up constant communications with his home - his family, his friends, his kindred there. On earth, the place of our sojourning - of our pilgrimage - the friend of God desires to have constant contact with heaven, his final home; not to be left to the desolate feeling that he is cut off from all contact with that world where he is forever to dwell. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible)

Although I live on earth, I know that I will one day live with God for all eternity. Therefore, as I live on earth I need to remember to whom I belong (God) and that I have a job to do (honor and glorify God). In order to do that, I must keep my focus on God and His Word. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:18

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)


God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 18: Provides Perception

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. Psalm 119:18

Open: denude, uncover

See:  look intently at, to regard with pleasure, have respect

Wondrous: to be surpassing, extraordinary 

Law: Torah, precept or statute

How often do I read Scripture, with my eyes covered? Covered by my ideas of what Scripture should mean. Covered by my limited understanding of a holy God. Covered by my selective memory and opinion. Covered by my circumstances. Covered by my sin. 

How often do I read Scripture with a prayer that my eyes would be "denude" so that I can see God's Truth? How often do I read scripture looking intently with respect at what God says? 

How often do I see God's extraordinary, surpassing anything I could image..... truth in Scripture? 

How often, when I do see an extraordinary truth, do I let it impact my life? 

My prayer...... Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. Psalm 119:18

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:17

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)


God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 17: Provides Life

Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. Psalm 119:17

Deal bountifully: benefit or requite; to ripen; to render good

With: according to

Servant: bondservant

Live: nourish up, to keep alive

Keep: guard; to protect, attend to, observe

Your Word: advice, thing about which one speaks

Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word [treasuring it and being guided by it day by day]. Psalm 119:17 (AMP)

That I may live - The continuance of life was dependent on the favor of God.

And keep thy word - For grace to do this he was equally dependent on God; and he asked that life might be continued, in order that he might honor the word of God by obeying it. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible) 

Too often this is our prayer when we are in difficult circumstances— "Lord save me and I'll live a better life." Yet, once the circumstances is past, we soon forget our problems and our promise. 

This plea of asking favor from God has a specific purpose — that I might live a life in accordance with God's Word. A result of God's goodness and grace is a life that works to protect and carry out all that God requires. 

God's Word does provide life — if one makes a choice to know it and live it. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:16

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 16: Provides Position

I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:16

Delight: to look upon with complacency (a feeling of quiet pleasure or security)

Statutes: something prescribed; phrases of obedience

Forget: to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

Not: ignorant, worthless

Word: spoken, advice, commandment, communication, reason, request, speech

A few weeks ago, a Catagory 2 Hurricane came through my area. The wind and rain were intense and it was pitch black as the electricity had gone out. As the storm raged, I felt such peace. And it wasn't because of the safety of the Castle.

The peace and safety weren't because I knew what would happen as the storm continued to slowly pass by. I felt peace and safe because I knew that no matter what happened, my God was ultimately in control. If the trees that were cracking and breaking outside landed on the Castle, then God would take care of the fixing of it all. If the roof shingles blew off, then once again, God would take care of the repairs. How? I had no idea. But I did know that God controls the wind. I do know that God cares for me. I do know that no matter what happened, God would remain faithful to who He is! God is never-changing and faithful. 

When I place my security in God's Word and I remember who God is and all that He says, it is then that I live in the position of safety and peace. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:15

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 15: Provides Contemplation

I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. Psalm 119:15

Meditate: ponder, study

Precepts: a mandate of God — collectively, for the Law

Contemplate: shew regard to, consider

Ways: of mode of living or of character

Contemplate: to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully (Dictionary.com)

Contemplation: the act of contemplating; thoughtful observation; full or deep consideration; reflection; purpose or intention (Dictionary.com)

Not just random thoughts. But thoughts with intent. Thoughts that will have an impact on my actions, words, and motives. 

Contemplation — thoughtful observation directed specifically to God's mode of living. And this level of contemplation means that I need to know God's Word.

So, what are you thinking about today? What has your attention? What are you contemplating?

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:14

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 14: Provides Treasure

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. Psalm 119:14

Rejoiced: Cheerful, be glad

In the way: a course of life or mode of action

Your Testimonies: the code of law

As much as: according to

All: every one

Riches: wealth; by implication—enough 

What makes me happy? What is it the puts a smile on my face? What value to I put on things? What is worth a lot to me? 

The things that we enjoy and that we value highly, we make sure it fits our schedule. We will rearrange our schedules so that we can attend an event. We really do make time for what matters to us. 

Do I value God and His Word more than wealth? Does obeying God make me happy? The answer to both those questions should be "YES!" — and it should be evident in my actions, attitude, thoughts, and words. 

Be happy! 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:13

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 13: Provides Conversation

With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. Psalm 119:13

With my lips: language, speech

Have declared: recount something, to score with a mark as a tally or record

All: the whole, any and every

Judgments: after the manner, custom, fashion — rightful due

Of Your mouth: according as after, speech

What do I talk about? Lately we've heard much talk about Hurricanes. How strong will they be? What path will they take? No one really knows until it actually arrives. But our conversations and actions were filled with Hurricane preparedness and "what ifs". 

What do I talk about? No matter the topic, my conversation should reflect what I believe about God. The particular words I choose, my intent, and emotion of how those were are spoken, should reflect God and His mercy and grace. 

But in order for me to have God's Word impact my conversation, I must know God's Word. 

What impacts my conversation? 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:12

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 12: Provides Instruction

Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:12

Blessed: (bless) to kneel as an act of adoration

Lord: A variation of Yhovah (used after 'Adonay, and pronounced by Jews as 'elohiym, in order to prevent the repetition of the same sound, since they elsewhere pronounce Yhovah as 'Adonay) -- God

Teach: diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skillful

Statutes: commandment, decreed, law

What better way to show honor to God, than to learn about Him and learn His Word. We often say we love God, but how to we show God we love Him? Out of a heart of devotion and love of God, our actions should show a true desire to honor Him. 

Teach me. In order to be taught, one must be willing to learn. That means we have to approach God without an agenda of our own. We have to go to God with open minds and hearts to listen and hear, and then put into action what His Word says. 

Teach me, O God — for I am ready and willing to learn. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:11

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 11: Provides Influence

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

Your word: commandment, speech

Have hidden: by implication, to hoard or reserve

My heart: the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything

That I: to the end intent that

Might Sin: miss the goal or path of right and duty; always against God

Not: most assuredly, no

Good men are afraid of sin, and are in care to prevent it; and the most effectual way to prevent is to hide God's word in our hearts, that we may answer every temptation, as our Master did, with, It is written, may oppose God's precepts to the dominion of sin, his promises to its allurements, and his threatenings to its menaces. (Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible; Psalm 119:11)

Influence: the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others. (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/influence?s=t)

Compelling force - on actions, behavior, opinions, etc. What is the compelling force in my life? What drives me to do things? What prevents me from doing things? 

My prayer is that God's Word would be the compelling force that would guide my actions, behavior, options, etc to be God honoring. 

Influence. God's word should have a huge influence on me, each and every day. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:10

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 10: Provides Boundaries

With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Psalm 119:10

With my whole: all, any or every

Heart: the inner man, soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

Have sought You: seek deity in prayer and worship; to follow for pursuit or search the True God

Wander: lead astray, deceive, err

Not: nay, neither, never, no, nor

Your commandments: code of wisdom, ordinance, precept

With all my heart I have sought You, [inquiring of You and longing for You]; do not let me wander from Your commandments [neither through ignorance nor by willful disobedience]. Psalm 119:10 (AMP)

Saturday night I had to take my Dad to the Emergency Room. As the hours dragged on into morning, I went in search of something Mom and I could eat for breakfast. I followed the signs to the Lobby, only to find another sign on the door, "Do not open. Alarm will sound!". Ok, I guess this isn't the way out, EVEN though all the signs point that way. I turned around headed back to the Reception area. I asked for directions and a Nurse kindly led me though some locked doors and the old ER to the lobby area. 
After purchasing some danish and coffee, I headed back following posted signs. Only to find more locked doors. I finally made my way back to the lobby area and went outside and walked to the ER entrance. 

Following signs and directions are only as good as the source. I thought since the signs were posted by the Hospital in the Hospital, they'd be correct. However, since the Emergency Room is a new addition and just opened, all the signage hasn't been changed. 

Thankfully, God's Word is unchangeable. And the source, God Himself, is true and reliable. My only responsibility is to learn and follow God's "signage". 

My prayer is that I would seek God with "ALL of my heart" and stay true to God and His Word.