God’s Word reflects the very character of God Himself. The Word of God is sufficient to make us wise, train us in righteousness, and equip us for every good work.
The author of Psalm 119 was a man who had known great trouble in his life, but also one who had come through it with a deep and passionate understanding of God’s unfailing love and compassion. His love for the Word of God and his dedication to study it, remember it, and live by it is a theme that's repeated over and over throughout the chapter.
There are seven verses throughout Psalm 119 where the psalmist prays to the Lord, "Teach me Your statutes,"
◾Psalm 119:12 (NKJV) Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes.
◾Psalm 119:26 (NKJV) I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes.
◾Psalm 119:64 (NKJV) The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes.
◾Psalm 119:68 (NKJV) You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes.
◾Psalm 119:124 (NKJV) Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, and teach me Your statutes.
◾Psalm 119:135 (NKJV) Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
◾Psalm 119:171 (NKJV) My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes.
Asking Heavenly Father to “teach me Your statutes” is an ongoing surrender that invites His authoritative Word to shape our convictions, guide our choices, and conform our character to Christ's. The psalmist’s ancient plea becomes a modern day lifestyle… continually meditating upon Scripture, studying Scripture, and walking in obedient faith to what we understand in Scripture.
◾Psalm 119:34 (NKJV) Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.◾Psalm 119:73 (NKJV) Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.◾Psalm 119:125 (NKJV) I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.◾Psalm 119:144 (NKJV) The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; give me understanding, and I shall live.◾Psalm 119:169 (NKJV) Let my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word.
And finally, the psalmist prays that the word of God will revive and transform him so he is changed into a new vessel.
◾Psalm 119:25 (NKJV) My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word.◾Psalm 119:37 (NKJV) Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.◾Psalm 119:40 (NKJV) Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness.◾Psalm 119:88 (NKJV) Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.◾Psalm 119:149 (NKJV) Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O LORD, revive me according to Your justice.◾Psalm 119:154 (NKJV) Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word.◾Psalm 119:159 (NKJV) Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †