Though we may suffer in this life, and some are murdered for their faith, is there a promise of preserving our souls for eternal life? Let’s begin in Psalm 121.
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
Is it a mandate that prayer always be made with our eyes lowered or even closed? May we lift up our eyes as we pray?
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Ps 121:1-2 ESV)
Is God always ready to come to our aid, to protect us? Is this a promise fulfilled in eternity or this life only? What about those who have broken a leg?
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. (Ps 121:3-4 HCSB)
Does God guard us, even providing something as mundane as shade? What are some other ways that God has refreshed us on life’s journey?
The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade at your right side. The sun will not ravage you by day, nor the moon by night. (Ps 121:5-6 ISV)
Will the Lord protect us from harm, preserving our lives? What about martyrs who are murdered in some countries today?
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Ps 121:7-8 KJV)
Though Christians are persecuted across Asia and Africa today, and some face death, which may seem to contradict this Psalm, is there an eternal perspective that fulfills these promises?
My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they will never perish forever, and no one will seize them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can seize them from the Father’s hand. (John 10:27-29 LSB)
Though we may suffer in this life, and some are murdered for their faith, is there a promise of preserving our souls for eternal life? You decide!
He Heard (Ps 120)
Do we sing on the way to the church assembly, as the Jews did on the way to the temple, or as the priests did as they ascended the temple steps? Let’s look at Psalm 120.
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
Is this the first of fifteen Psalms called songs of ascents (120–134)? Are lying lips and a deceitful tongue ubiquitous in our world?
In my distress I cried to the Lord, And He heard me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips And from a deceitful tongue. (Ps 120:1-2 NKJV)
Are there divine consequences for living a life of lies?
O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you? How will he increase your punishment? You will be pierced with sharp arrows and burned with glowing coals. (Ps 120:3-4 NLT)
Is our country known for false advertising, deceptive business practices, violence and constant fighting between politicians?
Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war. (Ps 120:5-7 WEB)
How should we live as Christians in a hostile and dangerous world?
Dear friends, since you are immigrants [foreigners, aliens] and strangers in the world, I urge that you avoid worldly desires that wage war against your lives. Live honorably among the unbelievers. Today, they defame you, as if you were doing evil. But in the day when God visits to judge they will glorify him, because they have observed your honorable deeds. (1 Peter 2:11-12 CEB)
Do we look forward to that glorious eternal city, where the lies and deception of our age will no longer exist?
The glorious treasures of nations will be brought into the city. But nothing unworthy will be allowed to enter. No one who is dirty-minded or who tells lies will be there. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will be in the city. (Rev 21:26-27 CEV)
Do we sing on the way to the church assembly, as the Jews did on the way to the temple, or as the priests did as they ascended the temple steps? You decide!
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
Is this the first of fifteen Psalms called songs of ascents (120–134)? Are lying lips and a deceitful tongue ubiquitous in our world?
In my distress I cried to the Lord, And He heard me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips And from a deceitful tongue. (Ps 120:1-2 NKJV)
Are there divine consequences for living a life of lies?
O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you? How will he increase your punishment? You will be pierced with sharp arrows and burned with glowing coals. (Ps 120:3-4 NLT)
Is our country known for false advertising, deceptive business practices, violence and constant fighting between politicians?
Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war. (Ps 120:5-7 WEB)
How should we live as Christians in a hostile and dangerous world?
Dear friends, since you are immigrants [foreigners, aliens] and strangers in the world, I urge that you avoid worldly desires that wage war against your lives. Live honorably among the unbelievers. Today, they defame you, as if you were doing evil. But in the day when God visits to judge they will glorify him, because they have observed your honorable deeds. (1 Peter 2:11-12 CEB)
Do we look forward to that glorious eternal city, where the lies and deception of our age will no longer exist?
The glorious treasures of nations will be brought into the city. But nothing unworthy will be allowed to enter. No one who is dirty-minded or who tells lies will be there. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will be in the city. (Rev 21:26-27 CEV)
Do we sing on the way to the church assembly, as the Jews did on the way to the temple, or as the priests did as they ascended the temple steps? You decide!
Understanding & Deliverance (Ps 119 Pt 4)
Do we need to understand the Bible and God to deliver us from a sinful world? Do we trust that the promises in God’s word are settled for all eternity? Let’s continue in Psalm 119.
י Yod - Understanding
Do we need understanding to read God’s word each day?
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I can learn Your commands. Those who fear You will see me and rejoice, for I put my hope in Your word. I know, Lord, that Your judgments are just and that You have afflicted me fairly. May Your faithful love comfort me as You promised Your servant. May Your compassion come to me so that I may live, for Your instruction is my delight. Let the arrogant be put to shame for slandering me with lies; I will meditate on Your precepts. Let those who fear You, those who know Your decrees, turn to me. May my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes so that I will not be put to shame. (Ps 119:73-80 HCSB)
כ Kaf - Deliverance
Do we have hope that God’s word will offer us deliverance from problems?
I long for your deliverance; I have looked to your word, placing my hope in it. My eyes grow weary with respect to what you have promised—I keep asking, “When will you comfort me?” Though I have become like a water skin dried by smoke, I have not forgotten your statutes. How many days must your servant endure this? When will you judge those who persecute me? The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me, disobeying your instruction. All of your commands are reliable. I am persecuted without cause—help me! Though the arrogant nearly destroyed me on earth, I did not abandon your precepts. Revive me according to your gracious love; and I will keep the decrees that you have proclaimed. (Ps 119:81-88 ISV)
ל Lamed - Settled Word
Though we are under a different covenant with God, is His word still filled with delightful lessons for us?
For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. (Ps 119:89-96 KJV)
Are the two great divisions of the Old Testament, the law and the prophets, still valid in a spiritual sense?
Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:17-19 LSB)
Do we need to understand the Bible and God to deliver us from a sinful world? Do we trust that the promises in God’s word are settled for all eternity? You decide!
י Yod - Understanding
Do we need understanding to read God’s word each day?
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I can learn Your commands. Those who fear You will see me and rejoice, for I put my hope in Your word. I know, Lord, that Your judgments are just and that You have afflicted me fairly. May Your faithful love comfort me as You promised Your servant. May Your compassion come to me so that I may live, for Your instruction is my delight. Let the arrogant be put to shame for slandering me with lies; I will meditate on Your precepts. Let those who fear You, those who know Your decrees, turn to me. May my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes so that I will not be put to shame. (Ps 119:73-80 HCSB)
כ Kaf - Deliverance
Do we have hope that God’s word will offer us deliverance from problems?
I long for your deliverance; I have looked to your word, placing my hope in it. My eyes grow weary with respect to what you have promised—I keep asking, “When will you comfort me?” Though I have become like a water skin dried by smoke, I have not forgotten your statutes. How many days must your servant endure this? When will you judge those who persecute me? The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me, disobeying your instruction. All of your commands are reliable. I am persecuted without cause—help me! Though the arrogant nearly destroyed me on earth, I did not abandon your precepts. Revive me according to your gracious love; and I will keep the decrees that you have proclaimed. (Ps 119:81-88 ISV)
ל Lamed - Settled Word
Though we are under a different covenant with God, is His word still filled with delightful lessons for us?
For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. (Ps 119:89-96 KJV)
Are the two great divisions of the Old Testament, the law and the prophets, still valid in a spiritual sense?
Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:17-19 LSB)
Do we need to understand the Bible and God to deliver us from a sinful world? Do we trust that the promises in God’s word are settled for all eternity? You decide!
My Heart Your Word (Ps 119 Pt 7)
Do we cry out to God with our whole hearts? Do we love His word and hope in His salvation? Let’s finish Psalm 119.
ק Qof - All My Heart
Do we cry out to God for salvation with all our hearts?
I have cried out with all of my heart. Answer me, Lord! I will observe your statutes. I have called out to you, “Save me, so I may keep your decrees.” I get up before dawn and cry for help; I place my hope in your word. I look forward to the night watches, when I may meditate on what you have said. Hear my voice according to your gracious love. Lord, revive me in keeping with your justice. Those who pursue wickedness draw near; they remain far from your instruction. You are near, Lord, and all of your commands are true. I discovered long ago about your decrees that you have confirmed them forever. (Ps 119:145-152 ISV)
ר Resh - Your Word
Do we cry out to God to deliver us according to His lovingkindness?
Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. (Ps 119:153-160 KJV)
ש Shin - Hope
Do we hate lying, love God’s ways and hope for His salvation?
Princes persecute me without cause, But my heart is in dread of Your words. I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds much spoil. I hate and abhor lying, But I love Your law. Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments. Those who love Your law have much peace, And nothing causes them to stumble. I hope for Your salvation, O Yahweh, And I do Your commandments. My soul keeps Your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly. I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, For all my ways are before You. (Ps 119:161-168 LSB)
ת Tav - Hear My Cry
Do we cry out to God in a corrupt world where many have been tempted to stray?
May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands. (Ps 119:169-176 NIV)
Are we in a spiritual battle where the hope of salvation is part of our armor?
But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thess 5:8 NASB)
Do we cry out to God with our whole hearts? Do we love His word and hope in His salvation? You decide!
ק Qof - All My Heart
Do we cry out to God for salvation with all our hearts?
I have cried out with all of my heart. Answer me, Lord! I will observe your statutes. I have called out to you, “Save me, so I may keep your decrees.” I get up before dawn and cry for help; I place my hope in your word. I look forward to the night watches, when I may meditate on what you have said. Hear my voice according to your gracious love. Lord, revive me in keeping with your justice. Those who pursue wickedness draw near; they remain far from your instruction. You are near, Lord, and all of your commands are true. I discovered long ago about your decrees that you have confirmed them forever. (Ps 119:145-152 ISV)
ר Resh - Your Word
Do we cry out to God to deliver us according to His lovingkindness?
Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. (Ps 119:153-160 KJV)
ש Shin - Hope
Do we hate lying, love God’s ways and hope for His salvation?
Princes persecute me without cause, But my heart is in dread of Your words. I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds much spoil. I hate and abhor lying, But I love Your law. Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments. Those who love Your law have much peace, And nothing causes them to stumble. I hope for Your salvation, O Yahweh, And I do Your commandments. My soul keeps Your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly. I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, For all my ways are before You. (Ps 119:161-168 LSB)
ת Tav - Hear My Cry
Do we cry out to God in a corrupt world where many have been tempted to stray?
May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands. (Ps 119:169-176 NIV)
Are we in a spiritual battle where the hope of salvation is part of our armor?
But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thess 5:8 NASB)
Do we cry out to God with our whole hearts? Do we love His word and hope in His salvation? You decide!
The Straight Path (Ps 119 Pt 6)
Do we love to walk the straight path of God’s teachings? Do we love what’s right? Let’s continue in Psalm 119.
ע Ayin - Walking Straight
Do we love and desire to walk in the straight path that God teaches us about?
I’ve done what is just and right. Don’t just hand me over to my oppressors. Guarantee good things for your servant. Please don’t let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes are worn out looking for your saving help—looking for your word that will set things right. Act toward your servant according to your faithful love. Teach me your statutes! I’m your servant! Help me understand so I can know your laws. It is time for the Lord to do something! Your Instruction has been broken. But I love your commandments more than gold, even more than pure gold. That’s why I walk straight by every single one of your precepts. That’s why I hate every false path. (Ps 119:121-128 CEB)
ף Pe - God’s Teachings
Do we desire that God teaches us more and more of His ways, wanting to know everything He teaches?
Your teachings are wonderful, and I respect them all. Understanding your word brings light to the minds of ordinary people. I honestly want to know everything you teach. Think about me and be kind, just as you are to everyone who loves your name. Keep your promise and don't let me stumble or let sin control my life. Protect me from abuse, so I can obey your laws. Smile on me, your servant, and teach me your laws. When anyone disobeys you, my eyes overflow with tears. (Ps 119:129-136 CEV)
ץ Tsadi - Right Rules
Do we love what is right and pursue it with zeal and delight?
Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules. You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words. Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live. (Ps 119:137-144 ESV)
When asked by a Pharisee, which command in the law is the greatest, how did Jesus answer?
He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” (Mat 22:37-40 HCSB)
Do we love to walk the straight path of God’s teachings? Do we love what’s right? You decide!
ע Ayin - Walking Straight
Do we love and desire to walk in the straight path that God teaches us about?
I’ve done what is just and right. Don’t just hand me over to my oppressors. Guarantee good things for your servant. Please don’t let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes are worn out looking for your saving help—looking for your word that will set things right. Act toward your servant according to your faithful love. Teach me your statutes! I’m your servant! Help me understand so I can know your laws. It is time for the Lord to do something! Your Instruction has been broken. But I love your commandments more than gold, even more than pure gold. That’s why I walk straight by every single one of your precepts. That’s why I hate every false path. (Ps 119:121-128 CEB)
ף Pe - God’s Teachings
Do we desire that God teaches us more and more of His ways, wanting to know everything He teaches?
Your teachings are wonderful, and I respect them all. Understanding your word brings light to the minds of ordinary people. I honestly want to know everything you teach. Think about me and be kind, just as you are to everyone who loves your name. Keep your promise and don't let me stumble or let sin control my life. Protect me from abuse, so I can obey your laws. Smile on me, your servant, and teach me your laws. When anyone disobeys you, my eyes overflow with tears. (Ps 119:129-136 CEV)
ץ Tsadi - Right Rules
Do we love what is right and pursue it with zeal and delight?
Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules. You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words. Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live. (Ps 119:137-144 ESV)
When asked by a Pharisee, which command in the law is the greatest, how did Jesus answer?
He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” (Mat 22:37-40 HCSB)
Do we love to walk the straight path of God’s teachings? Do we love what’s right? You decide!
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