Reading the Word

Psalm 119:129–136 (ESV)

¹²⁹ Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. ¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. ¹³¹ I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. ¹³² Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. ¹³³ Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. ¹³⁴ Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts. ¹³⁵ Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. ¹³⁶ My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.

Understanding and Applying the Word

Why do we keep God’s word? According to Psalm 119, God’s “testimonies are wonderful.” It is in our best interest to live according to the teachings of Scripture. Through it, we are made wise and we show our love for the Lord.

When we understand who God is, we love him. When we know of his goodness and his grace and his unfailing love for us, we grow in our desire to show our love for him. We do this by living for him. We read and study the word of God so that we can grow in knowledge of who God is, what he has done, and what he desires of us. Let us seek to show our love for him through the keeping of his word. And let us call on him to continue to teach us through his word.

**Shaped by the Word is a daily Bible reading devotional. Please use the links at the bottom to subscribe to this page. You can also share this post with your friends through social media using the buttons below. Thanks for reading!