Psalms 119:97-176

O how I love and treasure your law; throughout the day I fill my heart with its light! By considering your commands I have an edge over my enemies, for I take seriously everything you say. You have given me more understanding than those who teach me, for I’ve absorbed your eye-opening revelation. You have graced me with more insight than the old sages because I have not failed to walk in the light of your ways. I refused to bend my morals when temptation was before me so that I could become obedient to your Word. I refuse to turn away from difficult truths, for you yourself have taught me to love your words. How sweet are your living promises to me; sweeter than honey is your revelation-light. For your truth is the source of my understanding, not the falsehoods of those who don’t know you, which I despise. Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your Word makes my pathway clear. To live my life by your righteous rules has been my holy and lifelong commitment. I’m bruised and broken, overwhelmed by it all; breathe life into me again by your living word. Lord, receive my grateful thanks and teach me more of how to please you. Even though my life hangs in the balance, I’ll keep following what you’ve taught me, no matter what. The ungodly have done their best to throw me off track, but I’ll not deviate from what you’ve told me to do. Everything you speak to me is like joyous treasure, filling my life with gladness. I have determined in my heart to obey whatever you say, fully and forever! I despise those who can’t keep commitments, for I passionately love your revelation-light! You’re my place of quiet retreat, and your wraparound presence becomes my shield as I wrap myself in your Word! Go away! Leave me, all you workers of wickedness, for you can’t stop me from following every command of my God. Lord, strengthen my inner being by the promises of your Word so that I may live faithful and unashamed for you. Lift me up and I will be safe. Empower me to live every moment in the light of your ways. Lord, you reject those who reject your laws, for they fool no one but themselves! The wicked are thrown away, discarded and valueless. That’s why I will keep loving all of your laws! My body trembles in holy awe of you, leaving me speechless, for I’m frightened of your righteous judgments. Don’t leave me to the mercies of those who hate me, for I live to do what is just and fair. Let me hear your promise of blessing over my life, breaking me free from the proud oppressors. As a lovesick lover, I yearn for more of your salvation and for your virtuous promises. Let me feel your tender love, for I am yours. Give me more understanding of your wonderful ways. I need more revelation from your Word to know more about you, for I’m in love with you! Lord, the time has come for you to break through, for evil men keep breaking your laws. Truly, your message of truth means more to me than a vault filled with the purest gold. Every word you speak, every truth revealed, is always right and beautiful to me, for I hate what is phony or false. Your marvelous words are living miracles; no wonder I long to obey everything you say. Break open your Word within me until revelation-light shines out! Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans. I open my mouth and inhale the Word of God because I crave the revelation of your commands. Turn your heart to me, Lord, and show me your grace like you do to every one of your godly lovers. Prepare before me a path filled with your promises, and don’t allow even one sin to have dominion over me. Rescue me from the oppression of ungodly men so that I can keep all your precepts. Smile on me, your loving servant. Instruct me in what is right in your eyes. When I witness the rebellious breaking your laws, it makes me weep uncontrollably! Lord, your judgments reveal your righteousness, and your verdicts are always fair. The motive behind your every word is pure, and your teachings are remarkably faithful and true. I’ve been consumed with a furious passion to do what’s right, all because of the way my enemies disrespect your laws. All your promises glow with fire; that’s why I’m a lover of your Word. Even though I’m considered insignificant and despised by the world, I’ll never abandon your ways. Your righteousness has no end; it is everlasting, and your rules are perfectly fair. Even though my troubles overwhelm me with anguish, I still delight and cherish every message you speak to me. Give me more revelation so that I can live for you, for nothing is more pure and eternal than your truth. Answer my passionate prayer, O Lord, and I’ll obey everything you say. Save me, God, and I’ll follow your every instruction. Before the day dawns, I’ll be crying out for help and wrapping your words into my life. I lie awake every night pondering your promises to me. Lord, listen to my heart’s cry, for I know your love is real for me; breathe life into me again by the revelation of your justice. Here they come—these lawless rebels are coming near, but they are all so far away from your laws. God, you are near me always, so close to me; every one of your commands reveals truth. I’ve known all along how true and unchanging is every word you speak, established forever! Look upon all my misery and come be my hero to rescue me, for I will never forget what you’ve revealed to me. Take my side and defend me in these sufferings; redeem me and revive me, just like you promised you would. The wicked are so far from salvation, for they could not care less about your message of truth. Your tender mercies are what I need, O God; give me back my life again through the revelation of your judgments. I have so many enemies who persecute me, yet I won’t swerve from following your ways. I grieve when I see how the faithless ones live, for they just walk away from your promises. Lord, see how much I truly love your instructions. So in your tender kindness, breathe life into me again. The sum total of all your words adds up to absolute truth, and every one of your righteous decrees is everlasting. The powerful elite have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart trembles in awe because of your miracle-words. Your promises are the source of my bubbling joy; the revelation of your Word thrills me like one who has discovered hidden treasure. I despise every lie and hate every falsehood, for I am passionate about keeping your precepts. I stop to praise you seven times a day, all because your ways are perfect! There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of your Word, and they will never be offended. Lord, I’m longing for more of your salvation, for I want to do what pleases you. My love for your ways is indescribable; in my innermost being I want to follow them perfectly! I will keep your instructions and follow your counsel; all my ways are an open book before you. Lord, listen to my prayer. It’s like a sacrifice I bring to you; I must have more revelation of your Word! Take my words to heart when I ask you, Lord; rescue me, just like you promised! I offer you my joyous praise for all that you’ve taught me. Your wonderful words will become my song of worship, for everything you’ve commanded is perfect and true. Place your hands of strength and favor upon me, for I’ve made my choice to follow your ways. I wait for your deliverance, O Lord, for your words thrill me like nothing else! Invigorate my life so that I can praise you even more, and may your truth be my strength! I’ll never forget what you’ve taught me, Lord, but when I wander off and lose my way, come after me, for I am your beloved!