Psalm 119: 105-112 NLT

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

What’s been the most significant life event you’ve had?

• A wedding?
• Graduation for yourself or a child?
• Birth of a child?
• Unexpected death in the family?
• Unwanted diagnosis?

We are a product of our environment, memories, and experiences. They form us into who we are right now.

But, no matter how wonderful or how dreadful the events, they pail in comparison to how impactful God’s Word can be. Here’s how and why God’s Word is life-changing.

God’s Word is the Most Impactful Thing in Our Lives

v. 105: Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. v. 109: My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. v. 112: I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.

God’s Word guides us. God’s Word is lifesaving. God’s Word is worth following until the end. The bible is a source of conflict around the world because of its impact. God’s infallible word is so rich, detailed, and live-giving.

Expect God and You’ll Encounter God

V. 109 - 110: My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments.

These verses might seem like a normal statement at first. But after thinking about it more I realized there is a certain expectation here. Even when the psalmist is at his worst, he expects God. Even when at his best, I assume the writer is the same.

Throughout this Psalm we see how God helps the psalmist. When you expect and seek God, you will encounter him. In the way you expect? Not always. But you will encounter him.

Don’t Neglect Other Experiences

I do feel like it’s worth mentioning that you shouldn’t neglect your experiences. Yes, God’s Word is the most impactful thing in our lives, but that does not invalidate your experiences and memories. It does not invalidate others experiences. After all, God knew those experiences were going to happen.

Journal Questions

1. What are some of your most life-changing or impactful life experiences? How did they change your life?
2. How has knowing Jesus changed your life?