Psalm 119:9-16

Psalm 119:9-16

Beth

The Word is the virtue of all virtues, which can be of service to the disciple.

The Word of God is profoundly practical.  If we would avoid the life of personal ruin that is associated with sin and vice, how do we do that?  Verse 9 both asks and answers that question.  If our life is a path or a way, it is best lived according to the Word of God.  The life of a disciple is lived out according to the Word of God, not in legalistic, Pharisaic righteousness, but with an internal commitment of their heart.  

What does it mean to “treasure up” (NASB) or have God’s Word “hidden” in our hearts?  It is much more than Bible memorization, valuable as that may be.  It is that the practice of living according to God’s Word is the default setting of our conduct.  In the same way that we build muscle memory by a repeated action, by living according to God’s Word, we build a sort of spiritual muscle memory.  When we practice righteousness, it can become a habit, in which case many of the decisions of life become righteous not out of thoughtful contemplation of the moment, but faithful practice.  We don’t have to think, “Should I cheat, lie, or steal?”  The choice in such matters is our “spiritual muscle memory” response. 

In verse 13, the Psalmist says that he will “recount” (NIV) or has “told of” the law of God.  This is more than a simple list produced from memory.  The ancient Hebrew word used here has descended into contemporary times to mean “digital.”  While the analogy is far from perfect, we might get a picture if we said that the Word of God is the operating software for our lives.  We have taken the software code in the Word of God and have installed it on our operating system.  Clearly, the author had no idea of software, but he did understand going over, line by line, the Word of God to discover how to operate in life.  

Verse 14 sets the tone for the rest of the Psalm.  There is great joy in the Word of God as when there are great riches.  We may need to adjust the understanding of riches here.  Try not to think of the hoarded wealth on which a dragon might rest.  Wealth was far too practical and useful to be stockpiled away, never to be used.  Rather, having great treasure means daily, practical benefit.  Wealth is meant to be used to benefit others, not stored and kept to oneself.  Having great wealth ensures the joy of giving and the well-being of those dear to us.  Imagine a bonus from work that will enable you to take your family on vacation.  

To return to our previous analogy, the Word of God gives us the operating software, which ensures that we get the right answers, and because it is free from glitches and “bugs,” we are protected from hackers and viruses of our souls. 

“Thank You, Lord, that Your word is so practical. AMEN”