Psalm 119:9-16
9 How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.
Psalm 119:9-16 may not seem like verses that challenge and encourage us to be a Psalm 119 wife and then again maybe it does. I love the Psalmist’s immediate address to a young person. We can never under estimate the power of choices no matter the age. As a counselor, I see many women that are reaping the consequences of poor and unwise choices made many years ago when they thought those choices would not matter. Our former pastor, Bill Park, would often say, “Life is full of choices. Choices have consequences. Make the right choices”. So much wisdom packed into three small sentences. The Psalmist gives the key to staying pure – obedience to God’s Word. One can never under estimate the power of the inspired Word of God. Every poor and unwise choice I have made I can directly trace back to my walking in disobedience to God’s Word.
In verse ten, the psalmist gives hope! I have never met a perfect Christian. Therefore, I know no one that does have some regrets in life due to a poor choice. When you and I are reconciled to God, we should live with such intentional faith that we never want to wander from the protection of His Word. When we pursue to live a life walking in obedience to God’s commands; there is a protection over and around our heart and soul. This does not mean that we are exempt for difficult time and tragedy. Just as an umbrella protects from rain and the bright light of the sun, so it is with God’s Word. Ladies, I believe that many times, we experience the difficulties within our spirit and soul because we have forgotten our umbrella over our soul.
Our umbrella is made up of key parts that make it function perfectly.
vs 11 – Hiding God’s Word in our Hearts: Bible memory is important. Satan desires to dominate your mind. He knows that if he can wreak havoc on your thought life he has won half the battle. Our greatest defense is the Sword that is sharper than any two-edged sword. (Heb. 4:12)
Vs 12 – Praise and a Teachable spirit will keep you focused and humble. When I am praising the Mighty God; I have to acknowledge that it is not all about me. When I choose to remain teachable I am continuously humbled by the speck in my own eye. (Mt. 7:1-5)
Vs 13-14 – Reciting and Rejoicing will keep you mostly dry when life’s storms pour down. Talking about, believing and applying God’ promises and principles steady the soul. He is your anchor! (Heb. 6:19) Rejoicing in who He is and what He is doing is the constant reminder that God is bigger than the storm. Why did I say that Reciting and Rejoicing will keep you mostly dry? I think it is important to understand that no one can stay completely dry in a storm. Life Happens. God anchors. Life is unpredictable. God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Don’t ever think that because you are reciting and rejoicing that you are magically exempt from life’s troubles. As a child of God, you are never exempt from life’s troubles but you are safe from Satan’s destruction. (Rom. 8:37-39)
Vs 15-16 – Study and not forgetting His Word is the part that holds your umbrella together. Hold to this with a grip that is firm.
The Psalm 119 wife has her umbrella ready. A storm could come at any time. The sun could be glaring and blinding her way. The Psalm 119 wife is always spiritually prepared. Her husband finds comfort in this. He knows that He can trust her to stay under the protection of God’ Word. Do you have your umbrella? Are you protected?
Psalm 119:3-8 (NLT)
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
6 Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
7 As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!
If you and I chose to become a “Psalm 119 Wife” our life would be made of the following characteristics:
She will not compromise evil
She walks only in His paths
She lives a life of consistency
She walks in obedience
She is confident that He will complete what He began
That is challenging! When I read verse three, my eyes continued to be drawn to the word, “compromise”. Oh! How often am I tempted to compromise? Other words that mean the same as compromise are negotiate, concede, and give in. The opposite of compromise is, “confront”. Think for a moment what it would mean to our marriages if we chose to confront our wrong attitudes, our disrespect, our laziness, our selfishness, our conflicts and agree with God’s Word in those areas of our lives and take the steps to be set free. Yet, how often do we compromise and make excuses for why our husbands “deserve” our wrong attitude, the laziness, the disrespect and we talk ourselves into all the reasons why we should be selfish. After all, you and I cannot continue to be overlooked, un-appreciated, un-cared for, and ______________ (you fill in the blank). Our compromise with wrong attitudes and thoughts lead to a heart that becomes heavily entangled with confusion, selfishness, bitterness, resentment and anger.
Confronting” the compromise” begins and continues as the “Psalm 119 Wife” walks ONLY in God’s path. Being in God’s Word, knowing God’s Word and applying God’s Word confronts “the compromise”. This also gives direction and discernment. Having a relationship with Jesus Christ that is growing will lead to a life of consistency. When we become the steady, reliable, and constant wife; our husbands can rest knowing we are trustworthy. The wife that walks in obedience becomes extremely effective in her relationship with her husband and her children. Who knows how many generational strongholds can be broken because obedience is the action that is applied daily. It is only through obedience that we can be truly effective in our marriage and the lives of our children. If you and I choose disobedience we become efficient and nothing more. Understanding that the Lord will complete what He began in our lives brings peace that passes all understanding. Having that knowledge and filtering all of life’s happenings through the promise of Philippians 1:6 will give perspective during the easy times, the difficult times, the joys, the struggles, tragedy and heartache.
