From the Heart by B.Demaere

    49. Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope.  50. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.  51. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your law.  52. I meditate on your age-old laws; O lord, they comfort me.  53. I am furious with the wicked, those who reject your law.  54. Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage.  55. I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord, and I obey you law because of this.  56. This is my happy way of life: obeying your commandments.  (Psalm 119:49-56) 1) Capturing the Mood  (v.49-50) Oftentimes, we approach this psalm from a legal background.  Granted, this is Old Testament literature.  Yet affectionately, David expresses his heart to God regarding his Word.  As we read this psalm we capture that mood as well in his words. 2) Steady in his Word (v.51-55) Steadily, David pursues God's laws, even in the midst of persecution from the proud at heart.  With

Exploring the Bible by B.Demaere: The Value of a Promise (Psalm 119:41-47) :   41.  Lord, give to me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me.  42. Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for...

  41.  Lord, give to me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me.  42. Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.  43. Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for my only hope is in your laws.  44. I will keep on obeying your law forever and forever.  45. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.  46. I will speak to kings about your decrees, and I will not be ashamed.  47. How I delight in your commands!  How I love them!  I honor and love your commands.  I meditate on your principles.  (Psalm 119:41-47) 1) Assurance of a promise v.41-42 Admittedly, a comforting promise is all the psalmist wants.  Assuredly, a promise of salvation from his enemies. In David's heart, a promise is as precious  as  gold.  In all reality, how difficult would it be to face a giant like Goliath without a promise from the Lord.  For in every word of God is a seed of life contained.  God forbid that we would face any calamiti

Exploring the Bible by B.Demaere: Do not Assume Anything! (Psalm 119:33-40) :   33. Teach me, O Lord, to follow every one of your principles.  34. Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into prac...

  33. Teach me, O Lord, to follow every one of your principles.  34. Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart.  35. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.  36. Give me an eagerness for your decrees; do not inflict me with love for money!  37. Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.  38. Reassure me of your promise, which is for those who honor you.  39.Help me abandon my shameful ways; your laws are all in life.  40. I long to obey your commandments!  Renew my life with your goodness.  (Psalm 119:33-40) 1) Total Reliance a) God's actions Assuredly, these 'action's words show God's commitment to his Word to: teach me, to give me,  to make me, to turn my eyes, reassure me, help me and renew my life.  Importantly, this is a partnership between two persons.  The Lord and ourselves. As expected, the psalmist is taking action in his praye

Exploring the Bible by B.Demaere: The Encouragement of the Word (Psalm 119:25-32) :   25. I lie in the dust, completely discouraged revive me by your word. 26. I told you my plans, and you answered.  Now teach me your princi...

  25. I lie in the dust, completely discouraged revive me by your word. 26. I told you my plans, and you answered.  Now teach me your principles.  27. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments and I will meditate on your wonderful miracles.  28. I weep with grief; encourage me by your word.  29.Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law.  30. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws.  31. I cling to your decrees.  Lord, don't let me be put to shame!  32. If you will help me, I will run and follow your commands. 1) A new perspective of life (v. 25-26) Firstly, here lies the reality of life because life is more than just a dream with rosy flowers.  Evidently, life is more than a party that you find yourself in.  For if you think life is that then one day you will find yourself facing a wall where you will need real help.  In reality, life can bring you down at dust level scratching for the surface.  And that is when y