Soul Care and Creating Margin (2)

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.

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:

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

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

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

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

Second, He asks God for help:

Second, He asks God for help: He asks God to keep him from wandering. Verse 10b

Second, He asks God for help: He asks God to keep him from wandering. Verse 10b He asks God to teach him. Verse 12

Third, He forms an action plan for the future:

Third, He forms an action plan for the future: He will meditate on God’s Word. Verse 15a

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

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

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

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. “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. “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. “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. “they are my counselors” We see how God counsels us through his Word:

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. “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. “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. “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. “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. “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. “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. “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. “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. “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. “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.

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:

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

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

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

Requests from sad times:

Requests from sad times: Strengthen me according to your Word. Verse 28

Requests from sad times: Strengthen me according to your Word. Verse 28 put false ways far from me. Verse 29a

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

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:

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

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

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

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

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.

Knowing: teach me the way of your statutes. Verse 33

Knowing: teach me the way of your statutes. Verse 33 Give me understanding. Verse 34

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.

Willing: lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Verse 35

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

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

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

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

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 A prayer of trust and hope:

Verses A prayer of trust and hope: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise.

Verses 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.

Verses 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 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 the life of seeking and loving the Word:

Verses 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 the life of seeking and loving the Word: keeping the Word is like walking in a wide place (safety, security, freedom)

Verses 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 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.

Verses 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 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.

Verses 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 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.

What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means:

What does it mean for us to say the Lord is our portion? It means: that we promise to obey his word. Verse 57

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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