Prayer For Understanding God’s Word

Psalms 119:25–32
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

In this passage it appears that the writer is experiencing many trials and troubles in his life but as a believer he desires a deeper understanding and a greater insight into God’s Word. Even though his difficulties are a result of his own weaknesses he is not driven away from God but is drawn closer to Him. It seems that this passage is divided into two parts: My ways and God’s ways. It is for certain that we cannot live a committed Christian life and be satisfied living according to our own ways.

1. My ways (vv. 25-29).
   1. The confession of my ways (v. 25). “My soul cleaveth unto the dust..”
   2. The conviction of my ways (vv. 26-27).
      1. “Now teach me your principles” (v. 26). Reading the Bible for information and not for instruction.
      2. “Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,..” (v. 27) A desire to do God’s Word, not just wanting to understand it.      
   3. The contradiction of my ways (vv. 28-29). “Remove from me the way of lying:..” (v. 29).
      1. Singing and praising the Lord on Sunday and living for the devil the rest of the week.
      2. Claiming we belong to Christ and not demonstrating it the way we live.
2. Thy ways (vv. 30-32).
   1. The choice of God’s ways (v. 30). “I have chosen the way of truth:..”
   2. The commitment to God’s ways (v. 31). “I have stuck (cleave) unto thy testimonies:..”
   3. The clarity (quickness) of God’s ways (v. 32). “I will run the way of thy commandments.” The psalmist is saying that I have made a choice to run God’s ways; I am committed and now I must respond with swiftness, without delay.

Application

There are times in my life when I feel that I ought to be more in control of my Christian walk. However as my heart is enlarged with the Word of God (v. 32) my desire as the psalmist is to run the way of God’s commandments.