Praying For Greater Understanding

Psalm 119:145-176

KOPH

“I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.  I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.  I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.  Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.  They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.  Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.  Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.” (Psalm 119:145-152)

From the time he was young, David had trusted in the Lord, and was determined to keep his word.  He promised to obey as long as God kept him alive to do so.  He got up before dawn to pray and think about God’s word, and frequently woke up during the night with it on his mind.  He asks that God would hear his prayers in his loving kindness and settle his concerns according to his mercy and righteousness.   The wicked were not concerned with God’s laws, but David believed they were eternal and sought to follow them. 

RESH

“Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.  Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.  Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.  

Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.  Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.  I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.  Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” (Psalm 119:153-160)

David asks that God consider the trials he was experiencing, and deliver him because he was serving God.  The wicked had rejected God’s salvation, but God’s mercy was great, and David felt sorry for his persecutors because would not obey God.  He asks God to consider how he had struggled to follow the law, believing it was eternally true, and that its principles are eternal. 

SCHIN

“Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.  I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.  I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.  

Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.   Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.  My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.  I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.” (Psalm 119:161-168)

Saul had tried to execute David, even sending messengers to other countries to try to have him killed, and when he fled to the Philistines, David was forced to act as if he were insane to avoid being killed.  In spite of that, David was still in awe of God’s word and rejoiced at his promises. 

Everyday he was reminded repeatedly how much God had blessed him for his obedience.  As a result, he never gave up hope and turned away, no matter how discouraged he became.   Instead, he kept expecting god to keep his wordand kept on doing as God had said.  He knew God was aware of everything he had done and believed he would reward him accordingly. 

TAU

“Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.  Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.

My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.  My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.  Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.  I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.

Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.  I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.” (Psalm 119:169-176)

David realized he had not kept God’s law perfectly, but he had not broken it deliberately.    He asks that God forgive him for the times he had strayed, and hear his prayer for life and protection so that he could praise the Lord.  He also asks again that God help him understand his way so that he did not stray so easily.  He loved the law and wanted to learn more.  

Waiting For God To Respond

Psalm 119:121-144

AIN

“I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.  Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.  Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.  I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.  Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.  Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” (Psalm 119:121-128)

David had done his best to serve God, but it seemed like his enemies were getting the victory.  Perhaps this was written about the time of I Samuel 23, when David followed God yet even the people he helped turned on him, betraying him to Saul and Saul’s army was so close that there seemed no hope of escape.  He desperately needed God to come to his aid, or he might well not survive the day.  Israel was completely ignoring God’s Law, trying to have David murdered at Saul’s command.  David believed the promises, and loved the study, but he was in place where he needed more than theory of trusting God.  He needed to see God work immediately. 

PE

“Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.  Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.  Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.  Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.  Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.   Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” (Psalm 119:129-136)

The promises in God’s word were so wonderful David wanted to keep them to see if they were true, but the more he understood, the more he understood about life, and how God intended things.  He began to hunger to know more.  He asked God to bless him as he had done those who served in the past such as Moses or Joshua or Gideon, and that he would be able to understand the things of God like they had, so that he would not fall under the power of any sin.  If God would give him the freedom, he would do his best to serve.  He was weeping, knowing how far short he had already fallen. 

TZADDI

“Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.  Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.  Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.  I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.  Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.  The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.” (Psalm 119:137-144)

God is totally righteous.  There is no sin or wrong in him, and every one of his standards and directions for resolving conflicts are fair and good.  His instructions for daily life can be depended on to produce the proper results. 

David’s efforts to serve God had made him a target for those who ignored and forgot the Law.  Despite the fact that they were more powerful and outnumbered him, considering him a minor nuisance, David had not given up on obeying God’s commands.  He believed God’s word was still true, and was clinging to them despite the problems that had resulted from his obedience.  He asked God to continue to give him better understanding, believing it would take away his discouragement. 

A great many people today seem to believe that if we serve God there will be no problems.   This is exactly contrary to scripture.   John 16:33 tells us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world,” while II Timothy 3;12 warns, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”  If we are Christians we will have problems in this world because Satan controls it, but as John 16:33 said, Christ has overcome the world.  It is like the song says, “If I never had a problem, I’d never know that He could solve them.” 

God’s Word Gives Wisdom

Psalm 119:97-120

MEM

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.  I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.  I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.  How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.“ (Psalm 119:97-104)

God created the world and designed it to follow certain principles or laws.  David had spent the time learning and thinking about those principles.  As a result, was able to make wiser decisions than his enemies because he constantly acted based on God’s laws.    He was able to understand mor than his teachers, or the wise men of the past, because he kept those laws.  He had made every effort to avoid going against those precepts because he knew it was God who taught him.  The more he learned, the more he enjoyed his understanding.  He learned to hate the false ideas. 

NUN

“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.” (Psalm 119:105-112)

God’s word is like a light or lamp enabling us to see where to step to avoid danger.  David was committed to following what it said.  He was constantly struggling with things around him, but he asked that God would accept his freely given praises, as being real and make him feel alive despite the discouragement, teaching him to deal with things properly.  He wanted to follow God completely. 

Though the wicked had tried to trip him up, David had been able to stay on the path and do what God said.  He was committed to make following God’s precepts a tradition or custom because they were such a blessing to him.  His intention was to follow Gods laws completely. 

SAMECH

“I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.  Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.  Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.  Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.  Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.  My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.” (Psalm 119:113-120)

David had learned to hate the worthless and meaningless theories and philosophies of the world.  It was God and his word that protected him from the worlds attacks.  The wicked should get away because he was going to serve God. 

He asks that God would uphold him as he had promised so he would not be ashamed of having trusted God.  As a result David’s faith and respect would grow.  He had seen what happened to those who did not follow God’s commands, and the consequences of their ideas and philosophies.  He was afraid when he thought about the consequences of not following God’s will. 

Learning God’s Precepts

Psalm 119:73-96

JOD

 “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.  They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.  Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.  Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.  Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.  Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.” (Psalm 119:73-80)

God created each individual human, and like a car manufacturer, he has given us a manual for how we should live our lives to attain the most satisfactory results in his word.  Unfortunately, a lot of people never read the manual or make the effort to follow it.  David asks help in understanding god’s word so that he can learn to follow it more completely.  Others will come to him asking about his satisfaction and how he uses it to obtain satisfaction. 

Knowing God created him, he knows his his commandments are right and that any afflictions he has experienced are for his own good.  He prays that he would find comfort in God’s mercy and kindness as he had promised, making life worth living.  He prays that those who take no thought of God and have turned on him may be shamed by their behavior while those who seek to please God will be drawn to him in love.  He asks that his keeping of the word would be as God intended so he wouldn’t be ashamed later. 

CAPH

 “My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.  Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?  For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?  The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.  All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.  They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.  Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.” (Psalm 119:81-88)

Despite his absolute conviction that God’s way was best, David sometimes got discouraged and even depressed, but he never gave up hope that God would keep his word.  He did ask how long he would have to live with the problems because sometimes he felt like a bottle in the smoke unable to see past it or escape and constantly dirtied by it, even though he kept God’s commands.  The longer it went the more he wanted to jump ahead to the end so that he didn’t fall into the traps and sin surrounding him or respond to the persecution in an ungodly way.  There were times when he felt like just giving in, and he is asking that God make him aware of the blessings so he didn’t.

LAMED

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.  Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.  They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.  I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.  I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.  The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.  I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.” (Psalm 119:89-96)

God is eternally the same and does not change, nor do his commands.  He will always keep his promises and the world he created will always follow the natural scientific laws as God designed it to do, because they all follow God’s will. 

If David had not followed God’s law in a similar fashion, the problems he had experienced would have destroyed him.  He was determined never to forget the principles of His law, be4cause he was God’s and needed God to save him.  He had sought to understand the principles because he wanted God’s blessings.  Those who attacked him ignored those principles, in an effort to destroy him. but he would follow them because he believed in the future of those who did. 

Humans try to make a specific law to fit each individual situation, making them in piecemeal fashion,   As a result there soon becomes so many laws no one knows them all, and some contradict others.  People are forced to hire lawyers to find out what they can do or can’t do.  God’s laws are far broader and more consistent, covering a wide range of situations so it is possible to know what is right in every situation, if one understands the underlying precept.. 

More Valuable Than Silver Or Gold

Psalm 119:49-72

ZAIN

“Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.  This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.  I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.  Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.  I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.  This I had, because I kept thy precepts.” (Psalm 119:49-56)

David had lived his life based on God’s promises.   At the worst times he had been able to remember those promises to survive his frustration and depression, and keep on living.  Proud people, who depended solely on themselves made fun of him for trusting God in his situation, encouraging them to try their way instead, but he had not yielded, even though he was terrified about what they might do to him.  By singing about God’s laws and commandments, he was reminded what God commanded and was able to stay on track, knowing that he had done as God said, and would be rewarded accordingly. 

It is exactly what Paul instructed the Christians to do in Ephesians 5:17-20.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

CHETH

“Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.  I entreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.  I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.  I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.  The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.  I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.  The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.” (Psalm 119:57-64)

David had committed himself to keep God’s commands, and whole heartily sought to please him.   He understood his service was not perfect and asked God for mercy where he had failed, constantly reviewing what he ahd done and making corrections where needed.  Though wicked people had taken what he had earned, he continued to serve God.  If he woke up at night, he intended to spend that time thanking God for his blessings, and by day he would seek the companionship of others who served the Lord.  He asked that God would continue to expand his understanding of His word and law. 

TETH

“Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.

Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.  Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.  Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

“The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.  Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.  The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” (Psalm 119:65-72)

God had kept his promises, blessing David just as he said.  He asks that God would continue to teach him how to apply God’s word.  Before he had had trials, he had had only a superficial understanding of What God said, sand had often disobeyed, simply not realizing the importance of doing things the way God said.  The experiences had taught him to follow exactly as God said, understanding that his commands were always for man’s good. 

People who were convinced they didn’t need God deliberately lied to destroy his reputation.   Having destroyed his reputation, they felt like they were better than everyone else, not understanding that their apparent success did not make them better, it just lowered the average to their level, just like what has happened with the constant attacks in the 2016 presidential campaign.   

David finally understood how much he had learned about God’s laws and principles as a result of the trials he had gone through.  The more he understood, the more he valued God’s word.   It was worth more to him than any amount of earthly riches or acclaim.  

Craving God’s Word

Psalm 119:25-48

DALETH

“My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.  I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.  Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.  My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.  Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.  I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.  I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.” (Psalm 119:25-32)

The psalmist found himself constantly on his face before God, asking forgiveness.  He asks for comfort and life as God had promised.  He had shared God’s commandments and taught people to obey them.  Now he is asking for a clearer understanding of the basic principles so that he can more effectively explain what God has done and escape the sense of guilt he feels as he considers what the Law said.  He has chosen to obey God, doing the things he had learned, and he would like to feel confident his efforts were worthwhile. 

HE

“Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.  Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.  Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.  Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.  Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.  Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.” (Psalm 119:33-40)

If God will teach him the details of his commands, he is committed to obeying them, but he needs to understand them if he is to keep them.  He asks that God would guide him according to his commands because he takes pleasure in doing what is right.  He asks that god would keep him focused on the right so that he is not distracted by covetousness or foolishness.  We asks that God would keep him from making a fool of himself because he knew what God wanted is good and it is what he wants. 

VAU

“Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.  So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.  So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.  And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.  I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.  And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.  My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.” (Psalm 119:41-48)

He knows he is not perfect, and asks God for his mercy and the salvation he has promised in his word.  When he was aware of God’s power in his life, he would have an answer for those who made fun of him for his faith.  He asked that God not allow him to forget what the scriptures said, so that he could be consistent in following his commands.  Knowing for sure what was right would give him a sense of freedom because he was trying to do what was right.   He would be able to speak confidently to even rulers of other countries and enjoy knowing he was doing the right things.  He would be able to think seriously about what God wanted. 

Teaching The Value Of God’s Word

Psalm 119:1-24

The one hundred nineteenth Psalm is the longest chapter in the Bible, with a hundred seventy six verses in the modern scriptures.   As written, in Hebrew, it was song divided into twenty two verses, identified alphabetically by the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, just as we would list them as A, B, C, etc.   It was written specifically to drive home the need and benefits of learning God’s Word and calls on the students to commit to following the scriptures.  . 

ALEPH

“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.  They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.  O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!  Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.  I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.   I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.” (Psalm 119:1-8)

Those who have been faithful in keeping God’s commands, devoting themselves to him receive his blessings.  There is no deliberate sin in the lives, and they do what is right because they follow his principles of live as he commanded.  We will not be ashamed when we follow his commands but can confidently face anyone with nothing to hide, but the first step is to learn what he has commanded, as we see in John 14:21.  “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

BETH

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.  With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.  Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.  With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.  I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.  I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.  I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” (Psalm 119:9-16)

If a young person wants to correct things in his life, he needs to start by paying attention to God’s Word.  The Psalmist has wholeheartedly sough what God wants and asks that he be prevented from straying far from them.  He has memorized and studied the scriptures in an effort to ensure he would not go against God, and asks that God teach him what the laws actually mean.  He has said them aloud to help fix them in his mind, rejoicing in the promises as much as if he had received a gift.  He promises to respect the commands, giving them serious thought , and will not forget them.

 He is committed to doing what II Timothy 2:15 commands.   “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  

GIMEL.

“Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.  Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.  I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.  My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.  Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.  Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.  Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.  Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. (Psalm 119:17-24)

In singing the song, the student then asks that God would bless him with a deep understanding of God’s law, because he is just a human being with limited knowledge.  He longs to know what God wants, knowing how he has punished the proud.  Leaders have mocked him for  his insistence on following god, and he asks that they might realize it was important.  John 16:13 promises that the Holy Spirit will teach those who study.  “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.”  God will bless anyone who cares enough to obey what he said.