(6) The psalmist is also determined to undertake the discipline of meditation. He often speaks of “fixing” his eyes on the commandments of God and laboring “never to forget” them (see vv. 6, 15, 16, 23, 27, 48, 61, 78, 83, 97, 99, 141, 148, 176). This is a healthy and much-needed reminder that God does … More Sam Storms- Meditation on Psalm 119, Part 6
(5) Although utterly and in all ways dependent on God for help, don’t overlook the fact that the psalmist repeatedly commits himself and “promises” to take action to learn, store up, and diligently keep the Word of God. The antecedent priority of God’s work in his heart does not preclude or undermine his responsibility to … More Sam Storms- Meditation on Psalm 119, Part 5
(4) There is great significance in the fact that the psalmist also prays that God would do more than teach him what the Law means; he prays that God would “incline” his heart to observe them (see vv. 10, 35, 36, 37, 88, 117, cf. 133). In other words, God is present to incite our souls to … More Sam Storms- Meditation on Psalm 119, Part 4
We continue reading Sam Storms’ 10 observations on Psalm 119: (3) One of the more remarkable things in this psalm is the number of times the psalmist pleads with God to teach him and instruct him and give him insight and open his eyes that he might understand the Word. The psalmist has no illusions about his own ability to understand God’s Word … More Sam Storms- Meditation on Psalm 119, Part 3
1) One of the first things that struck me was the variety of ways in which God’s rules and laws and precepts are described: they are “righteous” (vv. 7, 75, 106, 164), indeed “righteous forever” (v. 144); they are “good” (v. 39), they are “sure” (v. 86), they are “firmly fixed in the heavens” (v. … More Sam Storms- Meditation on Psalm 119, Part 2
Sam Storms begins: Sweeter Than Honey to My Mouth! Psalm 119 has long been an enigma to many Christians, especially those who testify to boredom and confusion when they read God’s Word. The attitude of the psalmist is baffling to them. He speaks repeatedly of a joy and unparalleled delight and a spiritual exhilaration when … More Sam Storms- Meditation on Psalm 119, Part 1
Coty Pinckney on Psalm 119, “Knowing and Loving God Through His Word”- We could look at any of a number of verses here, but let’s focus on verses 33-37: 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. The psalmist’s first request is for God to … More What Does the Psalmist Ask Because He Loves the Word?
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! Psalm 119:32 John Piper: The Need to Be New But forgiveness and cleansing is not enough. I need to be new. I need to be transformed. I need life. I need a new way of seeing and thinking and valuing. That’s why … More The Need to be New
Psalm 119:18. “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.” John Piper, in a sermon, “Open My Eyes That I May See”- This verse combines prayer and the Word, and we need to see how, so that we can combine them this way in our lives and in our church. There … More Open My Eyes
Psalm 119:9-11 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. John Piper, in a sermon, “Thy … More The Ultimate Goal
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 