Psalm 119:9-16 begin with the
Hebrew Alphabet “Beth.” Here the Psalmist started by asking a rhetorical question
on how to live one’s life without blemish. Although the question is asked of a
young man in particular, we can safely say that it’s applicable to any young
person regardless of gender. The fact remains that young people tend to be more
driven by their impulses, and would be less thoughtful concerning the weightier
issues of life. They are also more impressionable and susceptible to influence,
both positive and negative, because of the lack of experience. Taking the position
that life cannot be at its zenith when God’s Word is left out, the Psalmist
said categorically that it must be a primary consideration to life. This is a
must if a young person desires a pure and unblemished life. The Psalmist argues
that the Word of God is an imperative to a life of purity.
The call is for young people to be
watchful over how they do life. The Psalmist here suggests that being diligent
to ensure that one live according to the inerrant Word of God is needful. They
must make what God says as the rule of life. In the earlier verses, we have
already established the importance of cultivating one’s life according to God’s
Word. Here the author is making a case for not just reading the Word of God, but
also on ensuring that the principles gleaned from studying the Word be hidden in
our heart. It will help us to avoid sin and live a God pleasing life.
Notice the various words the
Psalmist used to refer to God’s Word. He calls them statutes, ordinances, testimonies,
and precepts. They all refer to the Word of God. So the issue here is: what
must we do with God’s Word? We must receive what God has said with deep
affections. Of course we need to ensure that they are received with faith. It
is absolutely important that we store them in our memory and cherish them like
treasures. In Paul’s words to the Colossians, “Let the Word of God dwell richly
in our hearts.” Know it or not, the Psalmist here wants us to know that the knowledge
and application of God’s Word is the most potent antidote against sin. Hence like
him we must sought it with all our heart, and plead with God to help us not to stray
from His commandment.
Like the Psalmist we must also maintained
an attitude of receptivity to affirm the goodness of God and to invite Him to teach
us His statutes. Not only did the Psalmist receive the Word but he also set out
to declare them. And so must we. In the word ‘ordinance’, the author was
referring to the revelation of God’s will that was made known to him. Not only
did he impart them but he made it his cherished treasure and took great delight
in those testimonies of the Lord. He referred to them as testimonies because he
had witnessed and saw them come to pass in life. He did not just meditate on
them but also took great delight in them. The reason he meditated on the Word was
so that he would consider how to apply it. And he took delight in them so that he
would never forget God’s word.
Let us emulate this Psalmist! We
need to hide God’s Word in our heart and cherish them like treasure. We not
only delight in them but also seek to impart them. We must constantly meditate
on His Word and make it our top delight. Remembering His Word and taking them
to heart are important steps necessary to ensure that we are walking in His
will. Let us make applying the Word of God our priority in living!
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