the earthWe continue our study of Psalm 119:49-72, focusing on the spiritual benefits derived by those who love God’s Word, Law, Judgments, Statutes, Precepts, Testimonies, and Commandments.  Having stated 15 of the 24 benefits in four previous devotions, I invite you to review my devotional posts for January 13-15 and January 20.  We continue our devotional study with the 16th spiritual benefit enjoyed by those devoted to God’s Word.

Psalm 119:64  The earth, O LORD, is full [filled; consecrated; overflow] of thy mercy [loving-kindness; grace]: teach [instruct diligently] me thy statutes [ordinance; decrees; commands].

The statutes and commandments of the LORD instruct believers in the way of godliness. The world despises God’s Word, hates His Law and is intolerant of spiritual instruction; however, the believer loves the law of the Lord and meditates in His Word day and night (Psalm 1:2). Acknowledging the holiness of God revealed in His person and law, the believer rejoices in God’s mercy (119:64a).

The apostle Peter warned there would be scoffers in the last days who would ask, “Where is the promise of His [the Lord’s] coming?” (2 Peter 3:4).  Presupposing God’s patience is a license for greater sin, sinners follow their lusts with little thought of God’s judgment.  Peter warned: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

God’s longsuffering and patience with sinners is undeniable evidence the earth is filled and overflowing with His mercy (119:64a).don't delay

Psalm 119:65 Thou hast dealt [work; do; fashion] well [good; pleasing; best] with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word [commandment].

The Word of the LORD promises God’s faithfulness.  Unlike the promises of politicians that are often hollow, flighty and false; God is faithful and true to His Word.   What God promises He will perform!

Psalm 119:66  Teach [instruct diligently; skillful] me good judgment [discretion; reason] and knowledge [cunning]: for I have believed [trust; stand fast] thy commandments [precept; law].

The commandments of the LORD are the spiritual guide for faith and practice.  Evidencing the humility of a servant, the psalmist prayed for the LORD to give him “good judgment” and discernment, confident he could put his faith and hope in God’s commandments.

Psalm 119:67  Before I was afflicted [humbled; troubled] I went astray [erred; i.e. was deceived; misled]: but now have I kept [retained; watched; heed] thy word. [commandment]

The psalmist does not reveal what afflictions he had suffered; however, his response to a season of trial and afflictions is a lesson for us all.  God directs and uses afflictions to humble and make us teachable. Acting as God’s Spiritual GPS, the Word of the LORD not only corrected the psalmist’s course, it had revived his conviction to walk in obedience to God’s Word.

Psalm 119:68  Thou art good [pleasant; fairer; best], and doest good; teach [cause me to learn; instruct diligently] me thy statutes [law; rule; ordinance].

Law of the LordI close today’s devotion stating the 20th spiritual benefit enjoyed by those who love and read God’s Word:  The statutes of the LORD are assuring and perpetually good.

What a wonderful assurance…the LORD and His law, commandments and statutes are always good!  God is not given to change and His laws are immutable!  Even the afflictions and chastening of the LORD are meant for our good and His statutes instruct us in His perfect way!

Romans 8:28-29 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith