Do you ever feel in need of being revived? I certainly do! I'm sure we all have experienced days, or perhaps even seasons, in our lives where we felt weighed down by life, by circumstances around us, by the way we were being treated by others, by......... You fill in the blank. As we have journeyed through this Psalm, we have often seen the psalmist ask the Lord to revive him. In the verses we are currently studying, we see this request several times. In fact, he asks to be revived more than he asks for anything else in this passage! As we have seen previously and see again in these verses, he is dealing with "persecutors" and "adversaries"......those who are "treacherous", those who do not keep the Word of God. This may be the area where we can most relate to the psalmist, as we are living in a culture that has lost its regard for the Word.
But what does it mean to be "revived"? I'm sure we each have our own mental picture of what that means......perhaps a cold glass of iced tea revives you on a very hot day.....or a visit from a good friend or from your grandchildren might revive you if you're feeling lonely......or you're revived by a really good night's sleep. Is that what the psalmist means?
Here's your assignment for today. Use your word study tools (remember you can use on-line tools if you don't have a Hebrew dictionary in your personal library! Go to http://www.blueletterbible.org/), check the concordance to find out what Hebrew word (or words) is translated "revive". Then look those words up in your word study dictionary and see what you can learn. What did the psalmist mean, what was he asking for, when he used that particular word? Remember that the word "revive" has been used a number of times in this Psalm, not just in these verses.
The closing line of this Psalm says, "The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting." That sums up how the psalmist feels about the Word. Use your concordance and find other places where Scripture speaks about itself, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. What does it say?
Since you are participating in this study, I think it is fair to say that you have a high regard for the Word of God. Can you make a summary statement, as the psalmist did, concerning the Word that sums up your attitude toward the Word? It's OK to use words directly from Scripture!
One final question......how are you going to apply what you have learned today? What difference will it make in your attitudes today, in the choices you make?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Asking Some Questions
Good Morning! Welcome back! Are you ready for the next step on our inductive journey through Psalm 119? As a reminder, since I haven't mentioned this in a while or in case you just found us today, studying inductively means we are going directly to the source, in this case Psalm 119, for our study. It also means that we are asking questions of the text.....the 5Ws and an H.....who, what, when, where, why, how. Keep in mind that every question will not always be answered, but we keep asking!
As we have journeyed through the Psalm, our main "what" has been the Word of God itself, and we have looked for synonyms the psalmist uses to refer to the Word and what those synonyms teach us about the Word. The two stanzas we are currently looking at (qoph and resh) continue the same pattern we have seen throughout the psalm, using the words statute, testimonies, words, ordinances, law, commandments, precepts to refer to the Word of God. (If you are new to our study and would like to know more, click on the archives......you can begin from the beginning at any time!). So, our first question today is: what did you learn about the Word from marking these synonyms? Look at verse 152 for one answer to that question....."You have founded them (your testimonies) forever." Or look at verse 160...."the sum of Your word is truth."
This stanza tells us a lot about the psalmist and about his regard for the Word of God. What does the stanza tell us, or another way to ask the question is, how does the psalmist feel about the Word? What is his attitude toward the Word? How does he respond to the Word? Beginning at verse 145, here are some answers to those questions:
As we think about the psalmist, let's go a little further today. What do you learn from these verses about his situation? What is going on in his life? How does he respond? Is that consistent with how he has responded previously? Is it consistent with what he says about the Word of God? Application: what is going on in your life? How are you responding? Is that consistent with what you are professing about the Word of God?
Another of the questions we ask of the text in inductive study is when. We haven't talked about when a lot in our study of this psalm, but let's look at the when question now. Do you see any references to time in the verses we are studying today? Here's a hint: look at verse 147......."I rise before dawn." That is what we call a time reference. Now I don't know about you, but rising before dawn is not something I generally do, not willingly at least, so this is a place where I really have admiration for the psalmist! Looking at that same verse, why does he rise before dawn?
Look also at verse 152...."You have founded them forever." There's another time reference. Read the two stanzas again and look for (and mark with those colored pencils......I draw a tiny clock face.....just a circle with two hands) all the time references. What have you learned? And how can you apply it? Here's a thought.....the psalmist is telling us when he pursues God. When do you pursue God?
Let's look at another of those questions that we haven't previously given a lot of thought to......where. Read the verses and see if you can find any "where" words. Where will not always be a specific place like "at Jerusalem" or "along the road". Sometimes the where words may have to do with distance. Here's your hint: look at verse 150 ("they are far from your law"....who is "they"?) or verse 151 ("You are near). What do you learn? What does it mean for your life?
Here's our bottom line for today......as we examine what we learn about the psalmist by asking these questions, what do we learn about his lifestyle, about his attitudes, about his "schedule", his time management, his priorities? How does that compare with our own habits? What areas do we need to change? When are we going to start making those changes? How will we be able to change the areas that need changing?
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
As we have journeyed through the Psalm, our main "what" has been the Word of God itself, and we have looked for synonyms the psalmist uses to refer to the Word and what those synonyms teach us about the Word. The two stanzas we are currently looking at (qoph and resh) continue the same pattern we have seen throughout the psalm, using the words statute, testimonies, words, ordinances, law, commandments, precepts to refer to the Word of God. (If you are new to our study and would like to know more, click on the archives......you can begin from the beginning at any time!). So, our first question today is: what did you learn about the Word from marking these synonyms? Look at verse 152 for one answer to that question....."You have founded them (your testimonies) forever." Or look at verse 160...."the sum of Your word is truth."
This stanza tells us a lot about the psalmist and about his regard for the Word of God. What does the stanza tell us, or another way to ask the question is, how does the psalmist feel about the Word? What is his attitude toward the Word? How does he respond to the Word? Beginning at verse 145, here are some answers to those questions:
- verse 145 - I will observe your statutes.
- verse 146 - I shall keep Your testimonies
- verse 147 - I wait for Your words
- verse 148 - that I may meditate on Your word
- verse 149 - revive me according to Your ordinances
As we think about the psalmist, let's go a little further today. What do you learn from these verses about his situation? What is going on in his life? How does he respond? Is that consistent with how he has responded previously? Is it consistent with what he says about the Word of God? Application: what is going on in your life? How are you responding? Is that consistent with what you are professing about the Word of God?
Another of the questions we ask of the text in inductive study is when. We haven't talked about when a lot in our study of this psalm, but let's look at the when question now. Do you see any references to time in the verses we are studying today? Here's a hint: look at verse 147......."I rise before dawn." That is what we call a time reference. Now I don't know about you, but rising before dawn is not something I generally do, not willingly at least, so this is a place where I really have admiration for the psalmist! Looking at that same verse, why does he rise before dawn?
Look also at verse 152...."You have founded them forever." There's another time reference. Read the two stanzas again and look for (and mark with those colored pencils......I draw a tiny clock face.....just a circle with two hands) all the time references. What have you learned? And how can you apply it? Here's a thought.....the psalmist is telling us when he pursues God. When do you pursue God?
Let's look at another of those questions that we haven't previously given a lot of thought to......where. Read the verses and see if you can find any "where" words. Where will not always be a specific place like "at Jerusalem" or "along the road". Sometimes the where words may have to do with distance. Here's your hint: look at verse 150 ("they are far from your law"....who is "they"?) or verse 151 ("You are near). What do you learn? What does it mean for your life?
Here's our bottom line for today......as we examine what we learn about the psalmist by asking these questions, what do we learn about his lifestyle, about his attitudes, about his "schedule", his time management, his priorities? How does that compare with our own habits? What areas do we need to change? When are we going to start making those changes? How will we be able to change the areas that need changing?
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Monday, June 7, 2010
What Are You Praying For?
We're nearing the end of our journey through Psalm 119. Our remaining time in the Psalm will be spent not only in digging into these last stanzas of the Psalm, but also in reflecting back on what we have learned and in seeking how we can make what we have learned part of our daily lives. As we approach these last four stanzas, we are going to deviate from our pattern just a little bit and are going to consider the stanzas in pairs, beginning today with qoph and resh.
So, get your copy of the Scriptures and let's prayerfully read these two stanzas today....Psalm 119:145-160.
By now you should be able to easily spot the synonyms the psalmist uses for the Word of God. What do you learn from these stanzas about the Word? How does what the psalmist says about the Word in these verses compare with what he has said previously?
Read the verses again and note other repeated words or phrases. A couple of examples to get you started would be the words "cried" and "revivive". What do you learn from observing the repeated uses of these words? Are there other repeated words or phrases that you noted? What did you learn? Feel free to share your insights by leaving a comment!
Another thing to note as we observe these verses is what the psalmist is praying for. What does he ask God for in these verses? An example is found in verse 146...."Save me". Another example is found in verse 149..."Revive me". What other examples can you find? (Note: you may already have answered this question when you were looking for repeated words. But review is good!)
As you consider what the psalmist prays for, as you study and meditate on these verses, how are you going to apply them in your own life today? What are you praying for?
"Great are Your mercies, O LORD; revive me according to Your ordinances." (Psalm 119:156)
So, get your copy of the Scriptures and let's prayerfully read these two stanzas today....Psalm 119:145-160.
By now you should be able to easily spot the synonyms the psalmist uses for the Word of God. What do you learn from these stanzas about the Word? How does what the psalmist says about the Word in these verses compare with what he has said previously?
Read the verses again and note other repeated words or phrases. A couple of examples to get you started would be the words "cried" and "revivive". What do you learn from observing the repeated uses of these words? Are there other repeated words or phrases that you noted? What did you learn? Feel free to share your insights by leaving a comment!
Another thing to note as we observe these verses is what the psalmist is praying for. What does he ask God for in these verses? An example is found in verse 146...."Save me". Another example is found in verse 149..."Revive me". What other examples can you find? (Note: you may already have answered this question when you were looking for repeated words. But review is good!)
As you consider what the psalmist prays for, as you study and meditate on these verses, how are you going to apply them in your own life today? What are you praying for?
"Great are Your mercies, O LORD; revive me according to Your ordinances." (Psalm 119:156)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Finishing Out the Week
Let's finish out the week by looking back over what we've learned this week, considering one new concept, and then looking forward to what lies ahead for next week. We're approaching the end of this journey through Psalm 119. It has been such a blessing to me......to spend time in the Psalm, to dig deep into the Scriptures and have God speak to my heart through them, to pray for all of you out there who are joining me on this journey. I almost don't want it to end.....but at the same time I find myself looking forward to the next journey we will take together!! More about that later!
We have spent time this week in the tsadhe stanza - the "righteousness stanza". We have considered what righteousness is and how it relates to us. In a previous stanza we had seen the psalmist grieve over those who did not follow God's commandments. In tsadhe we have also seen the psalmist refer to the "foreverness" of God's Word. As we move forward next week, we'll continue to see that theme. But today, as we wind up our time in this stanza, let's look specifically at verse 139: "My zeal hs consumed me, because my adversaries have forgotten Your words."
Start by comparing this verse to the previous stanza (pe), looking particularly at verse 136. Then consider the following questions:
We have spent time this week in the tsadhe stanza - the "righteousness stanza". We have considered what righteousness is and how it relates to us. In a previous stanza we had seen the psalmist grieve over those who did not follow God's commandments. In tsadhe we have also seen the psalmist refer to the "foreverness" of God's Word. As we move forward next week, we'll continue to see that theme. But today, as we wind up our time in this stanza, let's look specifically at verse 139: "My zeal hs consumed me, because my adversaries have forgotten Your words."
Start by comparing this verse to the previous stanza (pe), looking particularly at verse 136. Then consider the following questions:
- How do these verses compare as the psalmist considers adversaries who have forgotten God's Word?
- What is zeal? (Maybe you want to check your dictionary for the definition!)
- Does zeal for God and His Word ever consume you?
- Are all zealous behaviors pleasing to God? Explain your answer. Be specific.
- Can you think of other examples in Scripture of people who displayed godly zeal? Dig a little deeper into the Scripture and see what you can find out.
- How are you going to apply what you have learned today?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Righteousness
Yesterday we began examining the tsadhe stanza, the "righteousness" stanza, and looking at what the psalmist had to say about righteousness. It's interesting to note that he never refers to himself as righteous, not in this stanza or anywhere else in Psalm 119. He speaks of righteous acts he has done (in the ayin stanza), but the quality of righteousness is something he attributes to God and to His Word. Having seen what the psalmist had to say about righteousness, let's learn more by looking at a New Testament passage.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. What does Paul have to say about righteousness? How does he say righteousness relates to us? How do the psalmist's words compare to what Paul says?
What does it mean to be a "new creature"? What does that have to do with the way we live? Do we consciously live as new creatures?
If you would like to take your study a step further, use your word study tools to determine what words have been translated "righteousness" or "righteous" in both the Old and New Testaments. What do you learn?
One other passage of Scripture you might want to examine as we bring this topic to a close is Romans 4. Look at Romans 4:1-9. Paul speaks about Abraham being made righteous before the Law was given. As you put all this together, what do you learn?
Summarize what you have learned about righteousness today. What is your biggest take-away from this lesson? How will you live today in light of what you have learned?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. What does Paul have to say about righteousness? How does he say righteousness relates to us? How do the psalmist's words compare to what Paul says?
What does it mean to be a "new creature"? What does that have to do with the way we live? Do we consciously live as new creatures?
If you would like to take your study a step further, use your word study tools to determine what words have been translated "righteousness" or "righteous" in both the Old and New Testaments. What do you learn?
One other passage of Scripture you might want to examine as we bring this topic to a close is Romans 4. Look at Romans 4:1-9. Paul speaks about Abraham being made righteous before the Law was given. As you put all this together, what do you learn?
Summarize what you have learned about righteousness today. What is your biggest take-away from this lesson? How will you live today in light of what you have learned?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Continuing Our Journey
It's a beautiful morning here in the mountains. The air is still a bit cool....birds are singing....I'm loving all the different shades of green as I look out the window. Because we are on a western-facing slope, it takes a while for the sun to rise above the mountain that is behind us. There's some fog in the valley below us this morning, but I'm sure that will burn off once the sun makes it to this side of the mountain. The only sounds I hear are the singing birds. It's very peaceful here this morning as I turn to God's Word. The words of Psalm 19 come to mind......."The heavens declare the glory of God....." How true that is! Psalm 19 is actually very similar to Psalm 119, the psalm we are currently studying. Although Psalm 19 is much shorter, there are many similarities as David speaks of the wonder of God and His Word. You might want to check that out if you have time.
As we continue our journey through Psalm 119, let's begin the tsadhe stanza today. Read with me verses 137-144, and note what you learn about God and His Word. In addition to the synonyms for the Word that we are now very familiar with, did you see any other repeated words or phrases?
The word that jumps out at me is "righteousness", which is used four times in these eight verses, along with one use of the word "righteous". So, in addition to making a list of what we learn about God's Word, let's also make a list of what the psalmist says about righteousness. What does the psalmist say is righteous?
Consider those things today, and we'll continue this topic tomorrow.
As we continue our journey through Psalm 119, let's begin the tsadhe stanza today. Read with me verses 137-144, and note what you learn about God and His Word. In addition to the synonyms for the Word that we are now very familiar with, did you see any other repeated words or phrases?
The word that jumps out at me is "righteousness", which is used four times in these eight verses, along with one use of the word "righteous". So, in addition to making a list of what we learn about God's Word, let's also make a list of what the psalmist says about righteousness. What does the psalmist say is righteous?
Consider those things today, and we'll continue this topic tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Convictions
"F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, 'At 18 our convictions are hills from which we look; at 45 they are caves in which we hide.' Another analogy would be: convictions are the fires that propel us and the fences that protect us." (quoted from Turning Points by Dr. David Jeremiah.)
Having just celebrated Memorial Day, I've been giving a lot of thought to the word "convictions". I'm in awe of the conviction of men and women in our armed forces who voluntarily put themselves in harm's way for the cause of freedom. I'm in awe of, and grateful to, the men and women of generations past who sacrificed so much for our freedom. And I am eternally grateful for the sacrifice paid at Calvary that secured my eternal freedom. It seems almost tragic that we set aside one day a year to think on these things, rather than remembering every day the great price that was paid. Is it not important enough to reflect on daily? Is it not important enough to impact our daily lives? Should we not also be living our lives with conviction?
As we have journeyed through Psalm 119, I think we can easily see that the psalmist was a man of conviction. Here are some examples of his convictions:
Having just celebrated Memorial Day, I've been giving a lot of thought to the word "convictions". I'm in awe of the conviction of men and women in our armed forces who voluntarily put themselves in harm's way for the cause of freedom. I'm in awe of, and grateful to, the men and women of generations past who sacrificed so much for our freedom. And I am eternally grateful for the sacrifice paid at Calvary that secured my eternal freedom. It seems almost tragic that we set aside one day a year to think on these things, rather than remembering every day the great price that was paid. Is it not important enough to reflect on daily? Is it not important enough to impact our daily lives? Should we not also be living our lives with conviction?
As we have journeyed through Psalm 119, I think we can easily see that the psalmist was a man of conviction. Here are some examples of his convictions:
- verse 8 - "I shall keep your statutes."
- verse 11 - "Your word I have treasured in my heart."
- verse 16 - "I shall delight in Your statutes."
- verse 30 - "I have chosen the faithful way."
- verse 44 - "I will keep your law continually."
- verse 83 - "I do not forget your statutes."
- verse 89 - "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven."
- verse 93 - "I will never forget Your precepts."
- verse 112 - "I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, even to the end."
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