97 Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws.
100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments.
101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.
102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well.
103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.
104 Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
106 I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.
107 I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised.
108 Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations.
109 My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions.
110 The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments.
111 Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight.
112 I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.
God's ways do make a difference.
Our Psalmist says God's instructions make him wiser than his enemies and his elders. They give him more insight than his teachers. A consequence of this wisdom is his refusal to walk in the paths of evil or turn from God's regulations.
The world continues to tell us that devotion to God's ways is counterintuitive and anti-intellectual. Well, I have to disagree. One of the most famous verses of scripture is found in this passage. Verse 105 says "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." We have two simple promises here:
1. God's word is a lamp that guides our feet...keeps us from stumbling over the clutter that surrounds us. It might be pornography, jealousy of the things a friend possesses, pursuit of wealth. Our path in life is filled with potholes and obstacles that can cause spiritual injury. God's word helps us navigate around them.
2. God's word lights our path...it illuminates the way ahead, keeping us on our true course. There are countless diversions that we may be tempted to follow but God wants us to remain on the path that He has provided. Only His word provides the clarity that ensures we arrive safely at our destination.
Are you stumbling around in the dark? Have you lost your bearings? How about reclaiming the source of wisdom and insight for your life? Some of your friends in the world may not appreciate it but their lack of support is evidence of God's promise that your devotion will result in a wisdom that surpasses theirs.
Live boldly out there today...
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