Psalm 119 - 2 - Beth - The Value of God's Word

"(Beth) How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying Your Word.
I have tried hard to find You--
don't let me wander from Your commands.
I have hidden Your Word in my heart, 
that I might not sin against You.
I praise You, O LORD; 
teach me Your decrees.
I have recited aloud all the regulations 
You have given us.
I have rejoiced in Your laws 
as much as in riches.
I will study Your commandments 
and reflect on Your ways.
I will delight in Your decrees 
and not forget Your Word." 
(Psalm 119: 9-16)  

Dear friend,

Notes from "Beth": What is the value of God's Word?

• By obeying God's Word we can keep our way pure;
• Through God's Word we can find Him;
• The Word can keep us from wandering from His commands;
• Knowing God's Word (planting it deeply in our hearts and minds) can keep us from sin;
• Valuing God's Word leads to praise for God, and a desire to know His Word even more;
• By treasuring God's Word we will be joyful, reflective people;
• By studying God's Word we will not forget it. 

     The Psalmist is clear: it is of utmost importance that we look to God's Word, learn God's Word, live according to God's Word, and make God's Word such a priority that we remember it. Remembering isn't simply a matter of being able to quote it, but as it is remembered in our hearts, we will live according to it. As we are transformed INSIDE by God's Word, our lives will reflect it on the OUTSIDE.

Again we see two themes that we observed in the first stanza (Aleph):

     The Law of the Lord brings rejoicing and delight. God's Word is not burdensome, and His commands are not stifling or restrictive. Rather, His Word brings freedom, and in freedom there is joy. The world's viewpoint is backwards. Submission and obedience are not negative concepts, at lest not when applied in a proper context.

     God's Word is described using multiple expressions: decrees, commands, regulations, ways, laws. The Psalmist is exuberant in his praise of God's Word. It is good. It is right. It is in all ways perfect. 

I must confess that I do not always value God's Word and find joy in it. At times I am lazy and neglect His Word. At times I am stubborn and reject His Word. Yet, when I am recalled to the Word, I am reminded that God and His Word are good and pure, and that I am not. Then I call to the Lord, much like the Psalmist, "teach me Your decrees".

Heavenly Father, We thank You for Your Word, and for teaching us that joy comes from obedience, not from having our own way. Will You guide us as we study this Psalm? We want to know You, to love you, and to walk in Your ways. Will You teach us Your decrees? Will You fill us so that we live as You call us to live?