“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” ~Psalm 119:165

“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” ~Psalm 119:165

Laws and rules often seem restricting and ‘anti-fun’. Human nature wants to break them, bend and stretch them. Anyone who has a child or pet can attest to this. However, studies show that children are inherently rule-followers. It helps them learn to safely navigate the world.

How does this tie into the verse from Psalms? This Psalm (the longest chapter in the Bible) expresses an overwhelming love for God’s word and a desire to live by its truth. It was written in a format that helps one memorize - each section is titled by the letters of the Hebrew alphabet (22 of them) and each of the eight verses in each section starts with that corresponding letter.

The written word was not available, so they had to “hide His word in their hearts” [Psalm 119:11]. This clever construct aided in doing just that. Keeping the commandments of God gave them internal peace.

One of the worst times in history was characterized by the saying, “everyone did what was right in their own eyes” - recorded in the book of Judges. There were no rules, no laws and evil ran amok, amassing a riot mentality.

What is God’s law? It’s the law of love. Loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind and loving your neighbor as yourself. [Matthew 22:37-39]. If we love with God’s love, then everything else falls in place.

Written by: Bonnie Chovanec, 2026