As observed during our meditation on the initial segment of Psalm 119, we recognize that each section is assigned a designation derived from the Hebrew alphabet, which imparts a meaning pertinent to that particular segment. In this case, “Beth” signifies understanding, and this portion of Psalm 119 elucidates the rationale and methodology for adhering to the commands of God. It instructs us to find delight in obeying God’s commands, regarding them as nourishment rather than perceiving them as punitive measures. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews portrays God as our Heavenly Father, who disciplines us continually to mold us into complete beings, transforming our mortal existence into eternal life to restore us to our original image, that is, the image of God.
I Seek God With All My Heart
How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV)
While specifically directed towards young individuals, these teachings are applicable to all, regardless of age. God commands us to seek Him with our entire hearts, souls, and minds. The pursuit of a holy life on earth is attainable solely through seeking God, who will guide us in living in accordance with His statutes and gradually uplifting our lives to be more like Him. Many individuals do not seek God wholeheartedly, leading them to conclude that living a holy life on this earth is impossible. If we do not practice holiness during our time here, how can we expect to enter His Kingdom and praise God for eternity alongside the faithful, in the presence of the Holy God?
While it is natural to stray from God, we must earnestly seek His assistance in adhering to His commands. The myriad concerns of this life often render us silent, making it difficult to communicate with our Heavenly Father. In such moments, we may be tempted to pursue alternative paths that could ultimately lead us away from God. However, as exemplified by Job, who acknowledged his inability to perceive God’s presence amidst his suffering, we must hold fast to the belief that God sees us (Job 23:10). This basic truth should compel us to remain steadfast in following His teachings. When faced with unanswered prayers, do we possess the resolve to abide by His commands, even in the absence of visible evidence of God’s presence?
The Psalmist cultivated the practice of concealing the Word of God within his heart. This poignant act by David is profoundly illustrated in Psalm 51, where the Word he had internalized, compelled him to confess his sins, resulting in a sense of peace, as he acknowledged the totality of his forgiveness from God. In contrast, some conceal their transgressions within their hearts, attempting to obscure them by publicly praying and quoting biblical verses, thereby presenting themselves as righteous, despite not embodying such virtue. This contrasting behavior among certain believers disrupts those who earnestly strive to maintain genuine focus on God. Are we, then, concealing His Word in our hearts, or are we hiding our sins beneath its guise?
Teach Me Your Decrees
Praise be to you, LORD;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. – Psalm 119: 12-16 (NIV)
The Psalmist primarily praised God and then put forth his request to teach him His decrees. We often praise God for all the worldly blessings, and we do so to derive more blessings from Him. Did we ever ask God to teach His decrees? We often stick to our old learning, which might be from Sunday School, and we never seek His direct teachings. The grace of God is new every morning, and sticking to our old experiences is not going to benefit us. God wants to teach His decrees every day with new dimensions and approaches according to the need of the hour to overcome the challenges we face in everyday life. With His new grace bestowed upon us every day, if we are inclined to learn new things along with the new grace, our lives would be better in many ways.
We often find it difficult to adhere to the instructions of God, and it appears to be a burden for us. Instead it should become our delight, as the Psalmist had shared his experience of following the commands of God. Unless and until we find delight in following the statutes of God, the commitment we make to follow the commands of God would not yield any fruit of the spirit and rather it will not give us joy. Then how to delight in God’s commands?
The Psalmist contrasted his joy with that of those who take pleasure in their riches. Perhaps we all find joy in our material wealth. While the affluence of this world may bring us happiness, one must ponder why we do not take delight in the decrees of God. It is possible that we have not experienced the joy that comes from adhering to God’s instructions, as we often believe that following His teachings may hinder our ability to accumulate wealth.
By following His commandments sincerely, we will not pursue wealth to fill our void; instead, we will find true joy from faithfully adhering to His guidance while also reaping the rewards of material prosperity. Without this genuine joy, people might act against God’s will in their quest for wealth, wrongly believing that such pursuits bring happiness. Only when we obey His commands do we realize that following Him does not prevent us from gaining wealth; rather, it allows us to focus on God and His endless love instead of the fleeting nature of wealth.
Heavenly Father, impart to us your wisdom on a daily basis, enabling us to take joy in your teachings and divert our focus from worldly wealth to the pursuit of heavenly riches. Grant us the understanding that adherence to your commandments will lead us to eternal joy. Amen.
The Jordan Valley 
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