Psalm 119
65 Do good to your servant
according to your word, Lord.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I trust your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
Today as you pray, begin with these very words of the Psalm above: Do good to your servant (insert your name here) according to your word, Lord. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.
Verse 67 talks about how affliction brought about transformation in the Psalmist’s life. The NLT says “I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. How has this been true in your life, where affliction/discipline brought you to closer obedience to the Lord?
Verse 68 makes the conclusion that following the ways of the Lord, is to know that the Lord is good and does only good. How does this change the old paradigm of your thoughts and emotions?
Verses 69-70 says “Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.” Where you do you experience the greatest challenge to living in the framework of God’s word? What are some practical ways in which you can continue to keep the ways of the Lord during difficult circumstances?
Today, pray these words of verse 72 “The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” Pray for God’s word and presence to affect and transform every area of your life.
– GK