Psalm 119

How should you read the Bible?

Understand What the Word of God Is

If you do not appreciate what the Word of God is, you will not desire to learn it.

God’s Word Is Timeless

“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven…. Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever” (Psalm 119:89,152).

Thousands of years have passed since the Bible was written. Empires have risen, fallen, and gone from the scene. But the Bible stands, because it is founded in Heaven.

God’s Word Is True

“You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are truth…. The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psalm 119:151,160).

In a world that has lost its appreciation for truth, you can say without a stutter that the Bible is true.

The Bible is attacked by those who deny it, and by those who want to replace God’s Word with psychology or philosophy, as if the Bible itself is not good enough. (See 1 Corinthians 14:37-38). 

But if you are looking for truth, you can find it in the Bible. God breathed out the Scriptures. “Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

God’s Word Should Be Treasured

“The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver…. How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:72,103).

Saints and heroes have pillowed their heads upon the Word of God as they walked through the chilly waters of death. You will never have a victorious Christian life if you do not love the Bible.

Draw Life from the Word of God

The Bible is living. (See Hebrews 4:12; John 6:63.) Not only must you appreciate it, but you must also assimilate it.

Pray God’s Word

“Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes” (Psalm 119:12).

Pray over the Bible and ask God to teach you. He will open your eyes. (See Psalm 119:18). He will stir your heart. (See Psalm 119:36). He will enlighten your mind. (See Psalm 119:73).

Meditate & Memorize

I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways…. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word” (Psalm 119:14,148).

You have the “mind of Christ” (see Corinthians 2:16), so use your sanctified common sense as you study the Bible.

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).

You can remember far more than you think you can.

Practice & Proclaim

“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!...You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently” (Psalm 119:2,4).

It is not enough to recite the promises without obeying the commandments. Do you want to learn the Bible? Obey the part that you know.

“I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed…. My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:46,172).

Give it away. Let the Word of God be constantly in your mouth. 

 

Be Changed by the Word of God

The knowledge that you have about God’s Word will transform your life.

Victory: “I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts” (Psalm 119:45).

Growth: “I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart” (Psalm 119:32).

Joy: “Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart” (Psalm 119:111).

Power: “My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word” (Psalm 119:28).

Guidance: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

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