Your commands are always with me
Date: March 21, 2024
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse (NIV): Psalm 119:98-100 "Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts."
L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: Dear Lord, as we study these verses today, we come before You with hearts open to Your wisdom. May Your Spirit illuminate these verses for us, granting us insight and understanding. Teach us to meditate on Your Word and to obey Your commands faithfully. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: Psalm 119 is a lengthy poem that praises the virtues of God's Word and the benefits of obeying His commands. In these verses, the psalmist reflects on the transformative power of God's Word in their life. He acknowledges that by meditating on God's statutes and obeying His precepts, they have gained wisdom and understanding surpassing that of their enemies, teachers, and elders. This demonstrates the practical wisdom and guidance that comes from a life rooted in God's Word.
These verses highlight the superiority of divine wisdom over worldly knowledge and experience. The psalmist attributes their insight and understanding not to their own intellect but to their reverence for God's commands and their commitment to meditating on His statutes.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: Key words/phrases:
Commands - Refers to God's instructions and laws.
Wiser than my enemies - Indicates the superiority of divine wisdom over adversaries.
More insight than all my teachers - Emphasizes the surpassing value of God's Word over human instruction.
More understanding than the elders - Illustrates the depth of understanding gained through obedience to God's precepts.
S - Summarize and Share: These verses are a testament to the richness and depth of wisdom that comes from immersing yourself in His commands and meditating on His statutes.
For me, these verses aren't just words on a page; they're a reflection of my journey with God and His Word. They remind me of the countless times when His guidance has led me through challenges, given me clarity in confusion, and provided wisdom beyond my own understanding.
I'm reminded of the moments when God's Word has made me wiser than my adversaries—when His truth has shielded me from doubt and deception. I think of the times when His teachings have given me more insight than any human teacher—when His Word has illuminated my path and shown me the way forward.
And as for understanding surpassing that of the elders, I've experienced firsthand the depth of insight that comes from walking in obedience to God's precepts. It's a wisdom that transcends age and experience, rooted in a heart that seeks after God's truth and follows His ways.
These verses remind me that true wisdom isn't found in the accumulation of knowledge or the wisdom of this world, but in a deep and abiding relationship with God and His Word. They inspire me to continue seeking after Him, meditating on His Word, and allowing His truth to shape every aspect of my life.
May Psalm 119:98-100 inspire us all to cherish the treasure of God's Word, to seek after His wisdom with fervor and dedication, and to walk in obedience to His commands. For in His Word, we find the wisdom that leads to life and flourishing.
4 Bible Cross References:
Psalm 1:2-3
Proverbs 3:5-6
James 1:22-25
2 Timothy 3:16-17