I have enumerated 11 of 24 spiritual benefits derived from studying God’s word in two previous devotions in Psalm 119 and invite you to consider them in preparation for this devotional thought. As a reminder, the Word, Law, Judgments, Statutes, Precepts, Testimonies, and Commandments together describe the whole body of Scripture, the Word of God. Consider the following additional benefits that belong to students of God’s Word.
Psalm 119:60 I made haste [eager; hasten], and delayed [tarried; linger] not to keep thy commandments [ordinance; precepts].
The commandments of the LORD not only convict the heart of sin, they promote consecration and righteousness. The psalmist’s response to the LORD’s commandments was immediate; he “made haste” and “delayed not” to do the will of God!
Psalm 119:61 The bands [cords; ropes; i.e. persecutions] of the wicked [ungodly; guilty; evil men] have robbed [ensnared; encompassed] me: but I have not forgotten [ignore] thy law [“Torah”; Ten Commandments or Pentateuch; instructions].
Though beset by the ungodly that wished and plotted his hurt, the Law of the LORD aroused a determination in the psalmist that he would not forget the “Torah” [the Commandments and Law of God].
Psalm 119:62 At midnight [i.e. in the middle of the night] I will rise [arise; stand] to give thanks [praise; confess] unto thee because of thy righteous [justice] judgments [ordinance; manner; charge].
The judgments of the LORD promoted sincere piety in the psalmist and encouraged a spirit of gratitude and praise. Three spiritual qualities we notice in the psalmist’s life that are derived from an understanding of God’s judgments: 1) The righteous are passionate [“at midnight I will rise to give thanks”] and have an extraordinary devotion and love for the Lord; 2) The righteous are prudent [“rise to give thanks”] and are grateful for the Lord’s grace, mercy, and blessings; 3) The righteous are principled [“thy righteous judgments”] and find peace reflecting on the LORD’s “righteous judgments”.
Psalm 119:63 I am a companion [associate] of all them that fear [revere; stand in awe] thee, and of them that keep [observe; heed; guard] thy precepts [commands; statutes; ].
I close today’s devotion stating the 15th benefit experienced by those who meditate on the Word of the LORD: The precepts of the LORD effect friendships (119:63). The precepts, commands, and statutes of the LORD instruct God’s people regarding the character of the friends they choose. Like the “Blessed” man in Psalm 1, the friends of the psalmist were what old timers used to describe as “God-fearing” people.
By the way, can you say that your friends fear, revere and love the LORD?
Psalm 1:1-2 – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Note from Pastor Smith: Forgive me for the absence of devotionals in the Book of Psalms these past days, but there are days the constraints of time and demands of ministry inhibit my capacity to devote myself to putting in writing my heart meditations in God’s Word.
Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith