When I was going to college at UW-Stevens Point, my roommate and I committed to memorize Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible! It took several months, but we worked at it, one stanza at a time. This second stanza, verses 9-16, had a profound effect on my faith, and is still the section I remember best. It highlights the importance of abiding in God’s Word.
It opens with the question, “How can a young person keep their way pure?” The Psalmist doesn’t offer a quick TikTok answer, instead, he points to a path, characterized by several actions: “By living a life according to Your word” (v. 9). In the verses that follow we see the verbs seek, hide, praise, recount, rejoice, meditate, and delight. These words tell us in practical ways how we receive nourishment from God’s Word and how to practice abiding in it.
The Psalmist echoes this intimacy: “I have hidden your word in my heart” (v. 11). This isn’t about memorizing verses like trophies, perhaps the early motivation for my roommate and me, it’s about letting them become our compass, our whispered counsel in moments of temptation. It’s about seeking God with all our hearts, a fervent, relentless pursuit that fuels our desire to align our steps with His ways.
But abiding isn’t about a bump-free life. The psalmist also seeks to “meditate on your precepts” and “fix my eyes on your ways” (v. 15). These are verbs of intention, a commitment to dwell in the Word even when it’s challenging. It’s about facing our shortcomings with honesty and seeking to align our lives with the light it casts.
Finally, the passage ends with a promise: “I will not forget your word ” (v. 16). This is not a boastful vow, but a humble prayer, a recognition of our tendency to wander. It’s an ongoing conversation, a daily commitment to let the Word abide in us, transforming us, one whispered verse at a time.
This passage challenges us today to open our hearts to the Scripture. Let God’s words take root, let them nourish your soul, and guide your steps. Remember, abiding isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about seeking, learning, and delighting in the Word that lights our way. This is how we keep our paths pure, not through fleeting resolutions, but through a love affair with the One who whispers guidance and fills our hearts with true riches.
For reflection:
- How can you be intentional about meditating and memorizing God’s Word?
- What do you think is the best result that comes from being immersed in the Word of God?
by Kevin Eide
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