“You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments. Let me be united with all who fear you, with those who know your laws. May I be blameless in keeping your decrees; then I will never be ashamed.” - Psalm 119: 73-80 NLT

My best friends were my roommates during my senior year of college. But during my sophomore and junior year I had toxic roommates. The people that always came over were christian but not acting Christ-like. (yes, I did a lower-case ‘c’ on purpose).

But my senior year was different. They are Christian. We helped each other stay accountable to what it means to be a man. It really showed me how important it is to be in community with other believers.



This section of Psalm 119 has some interesting points about community.

Who We Should be in Community With

Verses 74, 79: May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word…Let me be united with all who fear you, with those who know your laws.

Have you ever been around someone that was disrespectful to their parents or other family member? It’s uncomfortable.

These verses give a common trait about who we should be in community with. It’s not people that look like us, have the same political beliefs, or are the same denomination as us.

It’s those who fear God. But not in the fear of being afraid. It’s more about being reverent. It’s about respect and honor. We should surround ourselves with other believers who respect God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Results of Being in Community

Verse 74: May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.

When we are with those who fear the Lord, we are surrounded by others who know His Word and will spur us on to know His Word. This is because (based on other translations) we should be with those are can teach AND are teachable. We should be these things, too.

We also find joy in others, and they should find joy in us. Joy, hope, love, respect… these are all results of being in a healthy community.

Journal Questions:

1. Write about your community. What are they like? How do you wish your group were different?
2. What are some traits of yours that you know you could be better at? Are you teachable or do you teach?