Psalms 119 - The Principles of Life

9 How can a young person keep his life pure?
{He can do it} by holding on to your word.

10 I wholeheartedly searched for you.
Do not let me wander away from your commandments.

11 I have treasured your promise in my heart
so that I may not sin against you.
Psalms 119:9-11 (GW)


18 Uncover my eyes
so that I may see the miraculous things in your teachings.

19 I am a foreigner in this world.
Do not hide your commandments from me.
Psalms 119:18-19 (GW)

36 Direct my heart toward your written instructions
rather than getting rich in underhanded ways.

37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things.
Give me a new life in your ways.
Psalms 119:36-37 (GW)

66 Teach me {to use} good judgment and knowledge,
because I believe in your commandments.

67 Before you made me suffer, I used to wander off,
but now I hold on to your word.
Psalms 119:66-67 (GW)

71 It was good that I had to suffer
in order to learn your laws.

72 The teachings {that come} from your mouth are worth more to me
than thousands in gold or silver.
Psalms 119:71-72 (GW)


92 If your teachings had not made me happy,
then I would have died in my misery.

93 I will never forget your guiding principles,
because you gave me a new life through them.

94 I am yours.
Save me, because I have searched for your guiding principles.
Psalms 119:92-94 (GW)

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light for my path.
Psalms 119:105 (GW)

Reflection of B:

This must be the longest Psalm or chapter in the Bible... 176 verses. The whole emphasis of this chapter is about the guiding principles of God found in the Bible. These principles keep us away from sins (v9-11).

Many times we can't see the truth till the word of God illuminates us and brings enlightenment to our understanding (v18-19).

We need God to turn our hearts to things that are of permanence instead of "worthless things" (v36-37). Even things and people God allow us to have while we are on earth may also be worthless when we are in heaven. We need to always remind ourselves about this.

Sometimes we wonder why we have to suffer. Verses 66-67 and 71-72 tell us that sufferings help us learn to obey God's counsel through His words instead of doing things our way.

By obeying God's word, we will be happy for His word is true and can save our life (v92-94).

Let us take God's word to be our guiding lamp for our feet and light for our path (v105).



Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your word is really the lamp for my feet and light for my path. They have guided me in my walk and showed me the way. I pray that I will continue to remember Your principles in all my doings.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.