Gives Me Life

Last weekend at our women’s retreat, we spent time in four sections (strophes) of Psalm 119. This chapter in Psalms highlights the beauty of God’s Word, the life it gives, and how we are to delight in it. Many of the verses have been encouraging and comforting to me in this season of life. I and several friends are walking with aging parents, facing a fallen world’s impact on failing bodies and minds, but there are so many circumstances in each of our lives that are hard. Below are a few of the verses that give me hope and even joy in the hard things. [1]

15  I will meditate on your precepts

and fix my eyes on your ways.

16  I will delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

18  Open my eyes, that I may behold

wondrous things out of your law.

28  My soul melts away for sorrow;

strengthen me according to your word!

50  This is my comfort in my affliction,

that your promise gives me life.

68  You are good and do good;

teach me your statutes.

71  It is good for me that I was afflicted,

that I might learn your statutes.

92  If your law had not been my delight,

I would have perished in my affliction.

105   Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path.

114   You are my hiding place and my shield;

I hope in your word.

144   Your testimonies are righteous forever;

give me understanding that I may live.

Reflection

1.    Read back through the verses and circle words that stand out to you. Why did they stand out to you?

2.    Which of the verses encouraged, convicted, or comforted you? What about that verse encouraged, convicted, or comforted you?

3.    What are some of the benefits of God’s Word from these verses?

4.    Choose a verse to memorize and on which to meditate more.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 119:15–16, 18, 28, 50, 68, 71, 92, 105, 114, and 144.