Psalm 119: 113-120 NLT (Samekh)

“I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God. Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws! I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations.”

The Church makes me sad.

There is so much division. Hate can be prevalent. Its heart breaking.

God hates it.

That was the first thought I had while reading and transcribing this stanza. Loyalty is important and there are severe consequences to not being loyal to God.

Our Loyalty is to God and Nothing Else.

V. 113: I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions.

We’ve all read or heard stories about a celebrity divorce due to an affair. We’ve all seen a movie about or experienced a “friend” that backs out on plans because they aren’t a loyal friend.

We can’t have multiple priorities. We can’t say “God’s #1” but so is my job. We shouldn’t sacrifice what we believe for our personal gain. Ever.

If Our Loyalty is to God, Then We Must Share His Word

v. 119: You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws!

Sometimes I think about how powerful and mighty God is. This verse shows that. One day God will wipe wicked people from the earth. And that is heartbreaking.

If we are loyal to God, then we should bring others to him so they are not skimmed off the earth. How unloving would it be not trying to do that?

But know we can’t change their hearts. Only God can. But we help facilitate that relationship, kind of like the friend who sets up people on a blind date. Except this blind date is eternally significant.

Journal Questions



1. What does loyalty mean to you in friendships? Relationships? At work?
2. How can you show your loyalty to God today?