What Psalm 119 Says About Understanding God’s Word
“I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put to shame! I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.” - Psalm 119: 25-32
Do you remember that feeling when you’d be taking an important test and suddenly get to a question and your mind goes blank?
Mental panic ensues.
You don’t know what to answer. You studied like crazy. Where was this in the guide? How are you supposed to figure it out? Are you going to have to retake the course?
That feeling sucks. And often times I think that happens when we read God’s Word. We dive in, but are intimidated by our lack of understanding.
One of the themes in Psalm 119 that we've already talked about is a desire to know God’s Word. Today we are taking it a step further.
1. Once We Long for God’s Word, We Must Ask for Understanding
There are countless resources to understand God’s word. You can look up tons of translations, original Hebrew/Greek meaning, etc.
But let me recommend this: transcribe what you read word for word. Then paraphrase verse by verse. You may lose some value, but what you’ll end up having is your own message version of the Bible
I did this for most of Psalm 119 and it really expanded my understanding. Here is my “Luke Standard Version” of verses 25-32:
“Give me new life with your word.
Reach me so that my plans align with yours.
Jesus, give me understanding of your word so that I may marvel at your miraculous deeds.
When I am sad and depressed your word encourages me.
When the enemy tries to lie to me, fill me with your instruction. Banish the lies.
No matter what, I will be faithful to living by your decrees.
Your word is my rock, and help me not be ashamed.
Allow me to understand your word as I continue to spend time in your word.”
2. When We Understand God’s Word, It Gives Us Hope
The psalmist in this section talks all about the hope that comes when you understand God’s Word.
It brings a greater sense of peace when you know Bible verses, their context and reflect on them.
We can be recharged, rejuvenated, or even brought back to life through the Word of God. And while God’s Word can do this, we must have understanding AND faith.
We must have hope for the things to come.
Journal Questions
- Google some helpful resources to help you understand God’s word. Think about ways that you learn best and apply that to learning God’s word.
- When you read the Bible, what do you expect? God? or are you just doing it to cross something off your Christian to-do list?
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