Psalm 119 "God's A-B-Cs"

Aleph*

1  Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2  Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
3  They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
4  You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
5  Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
6  Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
7  As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
8  I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!

Beth

9  How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
10  I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
11  I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12  I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13  I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14  I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15  I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16  I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.
 
Gimel

17  Be good to your servant,
that I may live and obey your word.
18  Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your instructions.
19  I am only a foreigner in the land.
Don’t hide your commands from me!
20  I am always overwhelmed
with a desire for your regulations.
21  You rebuke the arrogant;
those who wander from your commands are cursed.
22  Don’t let them scorn and insult me,
for I have obeyed your laws.
23  Even princes sit and speak against me,
but I will meditate on your decrees.
24  Your laws please me;
they give me wise advice.
 
Daleth

25  I lie in the dust;
revive me by your word.
26  I told you my plans, and you answered.
Now teach me your decrees.
27  Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28  I weep with sorrow;
encourage me by your word.
29  Keep me from lying to myself;
give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
30  I have chosen to be faithful;
I have determined to live by your regulations.
31  I cling to your laws.
Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
32  I will pursue your commands,
for you expand my understanding.
 
He

33  Teach me your decrees, O Lord;
I will keep them to the end.
34  Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
35  Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.
36  Give me an eagerness for your laws
rather than a love for money!
37  Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word.*
38  Reassure me of your promise,
made to those who fear you.
39  Help me abandon my shameful ways;
for your regulations are good.
40  I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness.
 
Waw

41  Lord, give me your unfailing love,
the salvation that you promised me.
42  Then I can answer those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.
43  Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
for your regulations are my only hope.
44  I will keep on obeying your instructions
forever and ever.
45  I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
46  I will speak to kings about your laws,
and I will not be ashamed.
47  How I delight in your commands!
How I love them!
48  I honor and love your commands.
I meditate on your decrees.
 
Zayin

49  Remember your promise to me;
it is my only hope.
50  Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles.
51  The proud hold me in utter contempt,
but I do not turn away from your instructions.
52  I meditate on your age-old regulations;
O Lord, they comfort me.
53  I become furious with the wicked,
because they reject your instructions.
54  Your decrees have been the theme of my songs
wherever I have lived.
55  I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord;
therefore, I obey your instructions.
56  This is how I spend my life:
obeying your commandments.
 
Heth

57  Lord, you are mine!
I promise to obey your words!
58  With all my heart I want your blessings.
Be merciful as you promised.
59  I pondered the direction of my life,
and I turned to follow your laws.
60  I will hurry, without delay,
to obey your commands.
61  Evil people try to drag me into sin,
but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
62  I rise at midnight to thank you
for your just regulations.
63  I am a friend to anyone who fears you—
anyone who obeys your commandments.
64  O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth;
teach me your decrees.
 
Teth

65  You have done many good things for me, Lord,
just as you promised.
66  I believe in your commands;
now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
67  I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
but now I closely follow your word.
68  You are good and do only good;
teach me your decrees.
69  Arrogant people smear me with lies,
but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.
70  Their hearts are dull and stupid,
but I delight in your instructions.
71  My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
72  Your instructions are more valuable to me
than millions in gold and silver.
 
Yodh

73  You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
74  May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
for I have put my hope in your word.
75  I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;
you disciplined me because I needed it.
76  Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
just as you promised me, your servant.
77  Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
for your instructions are my delight.
78  Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
79  Let me be united with all who fear you,
with those who know your laws.
80  May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
then I will never be ashamed.
 
Kaph

81  I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82  My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
When will you comfort me?
83  I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.
84  How long must I wait?
When will you punish those who persecute me?
85  These arrogant people who hate your instructions
have dug deep pits to trap me.
86  All your commands are trustworthy.
Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.
87  They almost finished me off,
but I refused to abandon your commandments.
88  In your unfailing love, spare my life;
then I can continue to obey your laws.
 
Lamedh

89  Your eternal word, O Lord,
stands firm in heaven.
90  Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
as enduring as the earth you created.
91  Your regulations remain true to this day,
for everything serves your plans.
92  If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,
I would have died in my misery.
93  I will never forget your commandments,
for by them you give me life.
94  I am yours; rescue me!
For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.
95  Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.
96  Even perfection has its limits,
but your commands have no limit.
 
Mem

97  Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
98  Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are my constant guide.
99  Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your laws.
100  I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept your commandments.
101  I have refused to walk on any evil path,
so that I may remain obedient to your word.
102  I haven’t turned away from your regulations,
for you have taught me well.
103  How sweet your words taste to me;
they are sweeter than honey.
104  Your commandments give me understanding;
no wonder I hate every false way of life.
 
Nun

105  Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
106  I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:
I will obey your righteous regulations.
107  I have suffered much, O Lord;
restore my life again as you promised.
108  Lord, accept my offering of praise,
and teach me your regulations.
109  My life constantly hangs in the balance,
but I will not stop obeying your instructions.
110  The wicked have set their traps for me,
but I will not turn from your commandments.
111  Your laws are my treasure;
they are my heart’s delight.
112  I am determined to keep your decrees
to the very end.
 
Samekh

113  I hate those with divided loyalties,
but I love your instructions.
114  You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.
115  Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,
for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
116  Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
Do not let my hope be crushed.
117  Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
118  But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees.
They are only fooling themselves.
119  You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;
no wonder I love to obey your laws!
120  I tremble in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your regulations.
 
Ayin

121  Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies,
for I have done what is just and right.
122  Please guarantee a blessing for me.
Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!
123  My eyes strain to see your rescue,
to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
124  I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,
and teach me your decrees.
125  Give discernment to me, your servant;
then I will understand your laws.
126  Lord, it is time for you to act,
for these evil people have violated your instructions.
127  Truly, I love your commands
more than gold, even the finest gold.
128  Each of your commandments is right.
That is why I hate every false way.
 
Pe

129  Your laws are wonderful.
No wonder I obey them!
130  The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.
131  I pant with expectation,
longing for your commands.
132  Come and show me your mercy,
as you do for all who love your name.
133  Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.
134  Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.
135  Look upon me with love;
teach me your decrees.
136  Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
because people disobey your instructions.
 
Tsadhe

137  O Lord, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.
138  Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.
139  I am overwhelmed with indignation,
for my enemies have disregarded your words.
140  Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.
141  I am insignificant and despised,
but I don’t forget your commandments.
142  Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.
143  As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
144  Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live.
 
Qoph

145  I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord!
I will obey your decrees.
146  I cry out to you; rescue me,
that I may obey your laws.
147  I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
148  I stay awake through the night,
thinking about your promise.
149  In your faithful love, O Lord, hear my cry;
let me be revived by following your regulations.
150  Lawless people are coming to attack me;
they live far from your instructions.
151  But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commands are true.
152  I have known from my earliest days
that your laws will last forever.
 
Resh

153  Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten your instructions.
154  Argue my case; take my side!
Protect my life as you promised.
155  The wicked are far from rescue,
for they do not bother with your decrees.
156  Lord, how great is your mercy;
let me be revived by following your regulations.
157  Many persecute and trouble me,
yet I have not swerved from your laws.
158  Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,
because they care nothing for your word.
159  See how I love your commandments, Lord.
Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
160  The very essence of your words is truth;
all your just regulations will stand forever.
 
Shin

161  Powerful people harass me without cause,
but my heart trembles only at your word.
162  I rejoice in your word
like one who discovers a great treasure.
163  I hate and abhor all falsehood,
but I love your instructions.
164  I will praise you seven times a day
because all your regulations are just.
165  Those who love your instructions have great peace
and do not stumble.
166  I long for your rescue, Lord,
so I have obeyed your commands.
167  I have obeyed your laws,
for I love them very much.
168  Yes, I obey your commandments and laws
because you know everything I do.
 
Taw

169  O Lord, listen to my cry;
give me the discerning mind you promised.
170  Listen to my prayer;
rescue me as you promised.
171  Let praise flow from my lips,
for you have taught me your decrees.
172  Let my tongue sing about your word,
for all your commands are right.
173  Give me a helping hand,
for I have chosen to follow your commandments.
174  O Lord, I have longed for your rescue,
and your instructions are my delight.
175  Let me live so I can praise you,
and may your regulations help me.
176  I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
for I have not forgotten your commands.
 
.

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:3

Walk with me for a while...



I used to think that I had an unusual life filled with disappointment after disappointment and that everyone else had a good life. I was always longing for something better and envious of others. The older I got and the more people I got to know made me realize that we are all very much alike. Everyone has moments of elation and moments of despair. But it seems like we all tend to focus on the downs and negatives that we experience and hardly remember the ups and positives.  Do you know what I mean?


We live in a world where we want everything to be better for us. We can walk through any bookstore and read the titles for self-help books and find never-ending promises and solutions.  Here are just a few categories to choose from: aches & pains, co-dependency, diets,  depression, family problems, health, marriage & divorce, relationships,  job & work related issues, death & grief,  parenting, male and female, lifestyles, age related issues. The question is always how can I get ahead or how can I do better?  Is your life filled with doubt and problems that need to be solved?


The solution to our problems is more simple than we make it out to be. There are usually several choices to make when facing a problem.  Our choices can make it either more frustrating or might solve the problem, but first, we should address the root of the problem and not just try to ease the symptoms.



We are always looking for the easiest way to solve our problems, but here's what I've learned. I don't always have to solve the problem.  I'm to give my problems over to GOD.  Once I learned how blessed I am then the answers came more easily. In Christ, I realized that I am a powerful person because I'm a joint-heir with HIM. I am a channel for HIS blessings.  (I'm not talking about a New Age channel here.) 

But how do I go to the root of the problem, because sometimes all I can see are the symptoms.

Well, I know that GOD sees me coming and going. HE knows when I go to the secret place to pray and when I don't.  16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.   When I realize that I am nothing without HIM, it is then that HE calls me out of darkness. HE addresses my problems and HE fights my battles if I let HIM. The major road block is "Me". When I stand in the way, GOD can't get through. When I pick up the self-helps then I'm not acknowledging that GOD is able. I quench the HOLY SPIRIT when I do it "My way".  19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. So my time alone with HIM strengthens me.  I can sometimes hear HIS revelation to me if I am patient when I pray.    24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.  1 Thessalonians 5


Yes, He sees me coming and going.  He knows when I open the Bible and when I don't.   Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.  If I get into HIS word and truly search out what HE wants for me then I may get revelation through HIS Word.   He will continue to teach  me to be a discerner of spirits if I will ask HIM and believe.   HE has promised many things. 



Years ago while listening to a message, I wrote these words down in my Bible.  Corrie tenBoom (Dutch Christian Holocaust survivor who helped many Jews escape)  said that she prayed with an open Bible.  She would find "her" promise and pray "Father, you've said it--now, do it!"  That may sound full of pride to some, but the truth is that GOD wants us to be this bold!  HE has given us permission... 

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4. 


These ways are so simple that it's difficult for the world to understand. The world says, "How can prayer and reading the Bible change anything?"  Most of us think this way because we must have a logical solution. Faith is not logical by the word's standards.  But, Praise GOD, Faith is logical by GOD's standards and that is all that really matters!



We are so used to solving problems.  The world expects us to do it and leave GOD out.  After all haven't we all heard the saying that we need to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps?   That is what has gone wrong in our America today. We have left GOD out. We need to strive to raise up to meet HIM and bow at HIS sandals instead...


If you don't know the LORD JESUS as your Savior, HE is waiting for you.  HE will not force HIMSELF on you, but gently persuades.  Search for HIM and you will find HIM.  9 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  Luke 11

Once you've believed and received HIM,  HE will teach you how to depend on HIM through HIS Word and the HOLY SPIRIT.  It's a journey, a path that leads us into righteousness. It is  HIS righteousness because we are not right without HIM.

Take time to walk with HIM.

Agree with HIM and HE will reveal HIMSELF to you...

Daily:
Sing praises to HIM.

Thank HIM.
Have a personal Devotional Study.

Take time to pray.



.

Teach us to pray!

Mark 11: 22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

There it is... Jesus' word! 

Have faith in God.

What is your mountain?  Is your mountain personal and having only to do with you? Does it have a name like cancer or diabettes?  Does your mountain involve the salvation of another?  Could your mountain be a prodigal son or daughter? Is your mountain mental anguish over something in the past that you cannot make peace with?

Jesus is talking to his disciples and teaching them how to pray.  Now, if we are truly Jesus' disciples we will want to learn from Him.  The very same lesson that he taught the first time is still the same one for us today.  Nothing can happen without faith. 

You must really believe it will happen

and have no doubt in your heart.

Lastly, we have to remember his remaining words here in respect of the promise.

But when you are praying,

first forgive anyone

you are holding a grudge against,

so that your Father in heaven

will forgive your sins, too.

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