Soul Care and Creating Margin (2) How God’s Word functions in the life of a believer: Meditations from Psalm 119

Soul Care and Creating Margin Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. Verse 9 raises the question, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” The writer immediately answers with an assertion, “By guarding it according to your word.” The rest of the stanza shows what guarding looks like.

Soul Care and Creating Margin Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. First, the Psalmist says what he does to guard his life:

Soul Care and Creating Margin Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. First, the Psalmist says what he does to guard his life: He seeks God with all his heart. Verse 10

Soul Care and Creating Margin Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. First, the Psalmist says what he does to guard his life: He seeks God with all his heart. Verse 10 He stores up God’s word in his heart. Verse 11

Soul Care and Creating Margin Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. First, the Psalmist says what he does to guard his life: He seeks God with all his heart. Verse 10 He stores up God’s word in his heart. Verse 11 “… by holding it in our hearts, is meant, not only a knowledge of the Word, but an assent to it; not only an assent to it, but a serious and sound digestion of it by meditation; not only a digestion, but a constant respect to it, that we may not transgress it, as it is a rule; nor lose it, as it is a treasure; but have it ready and forthcoming upon all occasions.” Manton, v.1, 99

Soul Care and Creating Margin Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. First, the Psalmist says what he does to guard his life: He seeks God with all his heart. Verse 10 He stores up God’s word in his heart. Verse 11 “… by holding it in our hearts, is meant, not only a knowledge of the Word, but an assent to it; not only an assent to it, but a serious and sound digestion of it my meditation; not only a digestion, but a constant respect to it, that we may not transgress it, as it is a rule; nor lose it, as it is a treasure; but have it ready and forthcoming upon all occasions.” Manton, v.1, 99 He speaks of God’s Word. Verse 13

Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. First, the Psalmist says what he does to guard his life: He seeks God with all his heart. Verse 10 He stores up God’s word in his heart. Verse 11 “… by holding it in our hearts, is meant, not only a knowledge of the Word, but an assent to it; not only an assent to it, but a serious and sound digestion of it my meditation; not only a digestion, but a constant respect to it, that we may not transgress it, as it is a rule; nor lose it, as it is a treasure; but have it ready and forthcoming upon all occasions.” Manton, v.1, 99 He speaks of God’s Word. Verse 13 He delights in applying God’s Word. Verse 14

Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. Second, He asks God for help:

Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. Second, He asks God for help: He asks God to keep him from wandering. Verse 10b

Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. Second, He asks God for help: He asks God to keep him from wandering. Verse 10b He asks God to teach him. Verse 12

Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. Third, He forms an action plan for the future:

Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. Third, He forms an action plan for the future: He will meditate on God’s Word. Verse 15a

Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. Third, He forms an action plan for the future: He will meditate on God’s Word. Verse 15a He will fix his eyes on God’s ways. Verse 15b

Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. Third, He forms an action plan for the future: He will meditate on God’s Word. Verse 15a He will fix his eyes on God’s ways. Verse 15b He will delight in God’s Word. Verse 16a

Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. Third, He forms an action plan for the future: He will meditate on God’s Word. Verse 15a He will fix his eyes on God’s ways. Verse 15b He will delight in God’s Word. Verse 16a He will not forget God’s Word. Verse 16b

Psalm 119:9-16 Applied Bible Study is the key to a pure life. Third, He forms an action plan for the future: He will meditate on God’s Word. Verse 15a He will fix his eyes on God’s ways. Verse 15b He will delight in God’s Word. Verse 16a He will not forget God’s Word. Verse 16b “First the Word is his delight, and then his meditation. Delight causes meditation, and meditation delight. … our thoughts follow our affections.” Manton, v.1, 125

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see here the need for counseling:

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see here the need for counseling: We are sojourners on the earth. Verse 19

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see here the need for counseling: We are sojourners on the earth. Verse 19 We experience scorn and contempt. Verse 22

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see here the need for counseling: We are sojourners on the earth. Verse 19 We experience scorn and contempt. Verse 22 authorities plot against us. Verse 23

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how God counsels us through his Word:

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how God counsels us through his Word: God deals bountifully with us. He extends Grace. Verse 17

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how God counsels us through his Word: God deals bountifully with us. He extends Grace. Verse 17 God opens our eyes so we can see wondrous things in his word. Verse 18

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how God counsels us through his Word: God deals bountifully with us. He extends Grace. Verse 17 God opens our eyes so we can see wondrous things in his word. Verse 18 God rebukes the insolent who wander from his word. Verse 21

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how God counsels us through his Word: God deals bountifully with us. He extends Grace. Verse 17 God opens our eyes so we can see wondrous things in his word. Verse 18 God rebukes the insolent who wander from his word. Verse 21 He takes away scorn and contempt. Verse 22

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how God counsels us through his Word: God deals bountifully with us. He extends Grace. Verse 17 God opens our eyes so we can see wondrous things in his word. Verse 18 God rebukes the insolent who wander from his word. Verse 21 He takes away scorn and contempt. Verse 22 Three of these are in the form of a prayer request.

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how we are to respond to God’s counsel:

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how we are to respond to God’s counsel: Pray for God’s grace and insight. Verse 17, 18

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how we are to respond to God’s counsel: Pray for God’s grace and insight. Verse 17, 18 cultivate a desire for God’s Word, verse 20

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how we are to respond to God’s counsel: Pray for God’s grace and insight. Verse 17, 18 cultivate a desire for God’s Word, verse 20 practicing God’s Word. Verse 22b

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how we are to respond to God’s counsel: Pray for God’s grace and insight. Verse 17, 18 cultivate a desire for God’s Word, verse 20 practicing God’s Word. Verse 22b meditating on God’s Word. Verse 23b

Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life Psalm 119:17-24 God’s Word gives counsel for life. “they are my counselors” We see how we are to respond to God’s counsel: Pray for God’s grace and insight. Verse 17, 18 cultivate a desire for God’s Word, verse 20 practicing God’s Word. Verse 22b meditating on God’s Word. Verse 23b delighting in God’s word. Verse 24

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. This stanza provides us with an example of how God’s Word helps us when life experiences are dusty and sad. There are six requests and four statements of resolve.

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. This stanza provides us with an example of how God’s Word helps us when life experiences are dusty and sad. There are six requests and four statements of resolve. Requests emerging from dust:

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. This stanza provides us with an example of how God’s Word helps us when life experiences are dusty and sad. There are six requests and four statements of resolve. Requests emerging from dust: Give me life according to your Word. Verse 25

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. This stanza provides us with an example of how God’s Word helps us when life experiences are dusty and sad. There are six requests and four statements of resolve. Requests emerging from dust: Give me life according to your Word. Verse 25 having told our situation, teach me your statutes. Verse 26

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. This stanza provides us with an example of how God’s Word helps us when life experiences are dusty and sad. There are six requests and four statements of resolve. Requests emerging from dust: Give me life according to your Word. Verse 25 having told our situation, teach me your statutes. Verse 26 Make me understand how to apply the Word. Verse 27

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. Requests from sad times:

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. Requests from sad times: Strengthen me according to your Word. Verse 28

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. Requests from sad times: Strengthen me according to your Word. Verse 28 put false ways far from me. Verse 29a

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. Requests from sad times: Strengthen me according to your Word. Verse 28 put false ways far from me. Verse 29a graciously teach me your law. Verse 29b

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. Requests from sad times: Strengthen me according to your Word. Verse 28 put false ways far from me. Verse 29a graciously teach me your law. Verse 29b Four statements of resolve:

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. Requests from sad times: Strengthen me according to your Word. Verse 28 put false ways far from me. Verse 29a graciously teach me your law. Verse 29b Four statements of resolve: I have chosen the faithful way. Verse 30a

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. Requests from sad times: Strengthen me according to your Word. Verse 28 put false ways far from me. Verse 29a graciously teach me your law. Verse 29b Four statements of resolve: I have chosen the faithful way. Verse 30a I set your rules before me. Verse 30b

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. Requests from sad times: Strengthen me according to your Word. Verse 28 put false ways far from me. Verse 29a graciously teach me your law. Verse 29b Four statements of resolve: I have chosen the faithful way. Verse 30a I set your rules before me. Verse 30b I cling to your testimonies (let me not be put to shame!) verse 31

Psalm 119:25-32 God’ Word provides refreshment and strength amidst life’s dusty experiences. Requests from sad times: Strengthen me according to your Word. Verse 28 put false ways far from me. Verse 29a graciously teach me your law. Verse 29b Four statements of resolve: I have chosen the faithful way. Verse 30a I set your rules before me. Verse 30b I cling to your testimonies (let me not be put to shame!) verse 31 I will run the way of God’s commandments WHEN GOD ENLARGES MY HEART. Verse 32

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Bernard of Claireveux said, “He who is his own teacher has a fool for his master.” Cf. Proverbs 28:26

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Bernard of Claireveux said, “He who is his own teacher has a fool for his master.” Cf. Proverbs 28:26 We need God to teach us his word for knowing, willing, and doing it. The Psalmist calls upon God to act in our lives in knowing, willing, and doing his Word.

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Knowing: teach me the way of your statutes. Verse 33

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Knowing: teach me the way of your statutes. Verse 33 Give me understanding. Verse 34

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Knowing: teach me the way of your statutes. Verse 33 Give me understanding. Verse 34 “To know that we may know, is foolish curiosity; to know that we may be known is vanity and ostentation; to see that we may sell our knowledge is baseness and covetousness; to edify others, this is charity; to be edified ourselves, this is wisdom.” Manton, v. 1, 244.

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Willing: lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Verse 35

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Willing: lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Verse 35 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain. Verse 36

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Willing: lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Verse 35 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain. Verse 36 turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and give me life in your ways. Verse 37

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Willing: lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Verse 35 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain. Verse 36 turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and give me life in your ways. Verse 37 Doing: confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. (worship) verse 38

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Willing: lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Verse 35 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain. Verse 36 turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and give me life in your ways. Verse 37 Doing: confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. (worship) verse 38 turn away reproach that I dread (confession and forgiveness) verse 39

Psalm 119:33-40 God teaches us his Word. Willing: lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Verse 35 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain. Verse 36 turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and give me life in your ways. Verse 37 Doing: confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. (worship) verse 38 turn away reproach that I dread (confession and forgiveness) verse 39 in your righteousness give me life! (justification) verse 40.

Psalm 119:49-56 God’s Word gives hope. Verses 41-43 A prayer of trust and hope:

Psalm 119:49-56 God’s Word gives hope. Verses 41-43 A prayer of trust and hope: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise.

Psalm 119:49-56 God’s Word gives hope. Verses 41-43 A prayer of trust and hope: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. results in trust and an answer to taunts.

Psalm 119:49-56 God’s Word gives hope. Verses 41-43 A prayer of trust and hope: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. results in trust and an answer to taunts. hope is in God’s Word

Psalm 119:49-56 God’s Word gives hope. Verses 41-43 A prayer of trust and hope: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. results in trust and an answer to taunts. hope is in God’s Word Verses 44-48 the life of seeking and loving the Word:

Psalm 119:49-56 God’s Word gives hope. Verses 41-43 A prayer of trust and hope: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. results in trust and an answer to taunts. hope is in God’s Word Verses 44-48 the life of seeking and loving the Word: keeping the Word is like walking in a wide place (safety, security, freedom)

Psalm 119:49-56 God’s Word gives hope. Verses 41-43 A prayer of trust and hope: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. results in trust and an answer to taunts. hope is in God’s Word Verses 44-48 the life of seeking and loving the Word: keeping the Word is like walking in a wide place (safety, security, freedom) resulting in speaking without shame.

Psalm 119:49-56 God’s Word gives hope. Verses 41-43 A prayer of trust and hope: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. results in trust and an answer to taunts. hope is in God’s Word Verses 44-48 the life of seeking and loving the Word: keeping the Word is like walking in a wide place (safety, security, freedom) resulting in speaking without shame. loving delight in God’s Word.

Psalm 119:49-56 God’s Word gives hope. Verses 41-43 A prayer of trust and hope: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. results in trust and an answer to taunts. hope is in God’s Word Verses 44-48 the life of seeking and loving the Word: keeping the Word is like walking in a wide place (safety, security, freedom) resulting in speaking without shame. loving delight in God’s Word. Worship and meditation

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. The Psalmist begins this stanza with the statement, “The Lord is my portion.” In ancient Israel one’s portion in life referred to one’s inheritance. It defined one’s identity. The psalmist says that the Lord defines his identity.

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means:

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means: that we promise to obey his word. Verse 57

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means: that we promise to obey his word. Verse 57 that we entreat his favor with all our heart. Verse 58

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means: that we promise to obey his word. Verse 57 that we entreat his favor with all our heart. Verse 58 that we will live an intentional life. Verse 59

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means: that we promise to obey his word. Verse 57 that we entreat his favor with all our heart. Verse 58 that we will live an intentional life. Verse 59 that we won’t drag our feet. Verse 60

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means: that we promise to obey his word. Verse 57 that we entreat his favor with all our heart. Verse 58 that we will live an intentional life. Verse 59 that we won’t drag our feet. Verse 60 that we won’t waver under pressure. Verse 61

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means: that we promise to obey his word. Verse 57 that we entreat his favor with all our heart. Verse 58 that we will live an intentional life. Verse 59 that we won’t drag our feet. Verse 60 that we won’t waver under pressure. Verse 61 that we are thankful for God’s righteous rules. Verse 62

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means: that we promise to obey his word. Verse 57 that we entreat his favor with all our heart. Verse 58 that we will live an intentional life. Verse 59 that we won’t drag our feet. Verse 60 that we won’t waver under pressure. Verse 61 that we are thankful for God’s righteous rules. Verse 62 that we will spend time with God’s people. Verse 63

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means: that we promise to obey his word. Verse 57 that we entreat his favor with all our heart. Verse 58 that we will live an intentional life. Verse 59 that we won’t drag our feet. Verse 60 that we won’t waver under pressure. Verse 61 that we are thankful for God’s righteous rules. Verse 62 that we will spend time with God’s people. Verse 63 that we will recognize God’s steadfast love all around us. Verse 64

Psalm 119:57-64 God’s Word gives meaning to life. What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means: that we promise to obey his word. Verse 57 that we entreat his favor with all our heart. Verse 58 that we will live an intentional life. Verse 59 that we won’t drag our feet. Verse 60 that we won’t waver under pressure. Verse 61 that we are thankful for God’s righteous rules. Verse 62 that we will spend time with God’s people. Verse 63 that we will recognize God’s steadfast love all around us. Verse 64 that we will seek God’s instruction. Verse 64

How God’s Word functions in the life of a believer: Meditations from Psalm 119 These are but a sampling of the functions of God’s Word in the life of a believer in Psalm 119. This psalm highlights that there can be no soul care apart from delighting in, meditating on, and practicing God’s Word.

How God’s Word functions in the life of a believer: Meditations from Psalm 119 These are but a sampling of the functions of God’s Word in the life of a believer in Psalm 119. This psalm highlights that there can be no soul care apart from delighting in, meditating on, and practicing God’s Word. C.S. Lewis says about Psalm 119: “… this poem is not, and does not pretend to be, a sudden outpouring of the heart like, say, Psalm 18, it is a pattern, a thing done like embroidery, stitch by stitch, through long, quiet hours, for love of the subject and for delight in leisurely, disciplined craftsmanship.” Reflections on Psalms, p 58,59.

How God’s Word functions in the life of a believer: Meditations from Psalm 119 So Psalm 119 ought not be pulled apart thread by thread, but admired and reflected on. It is an invitation to create margin, praying that God would open our eyes to his Word that we may enjoy a lifestyle of delightful meditation that fills us with the confidence that his lovingkindness is lavished upon us in the living Word, Jesus Christ, to whom all of Scripture points.