The A-Z of praise

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Mary Edwards:

What did I like about today’s passage?

What an amazing Psalm! In just about every one of its 176 verses, the psalmist mentions God’s word in one form or another. His law, statutes, precepts, decrees, commands, promises, word of truth, and His word which we now know is Jesus! The psalmist relates how he depends on, delights in, relies on, and longs for God’s word. He seeks it, meditates on it, speaks of it, obeys it, trusts it, hopes in it. What a challenge!

There are some heartfelt prayers in this Psalm as the writer struggles with many difficult situations, fears and everyday temptations. So much to relate to! But through all that, he discovers a refuge and comfort in God’s unfailing love and a freedom in the situations he finds himself in.

When I first became a Christian, well over 50 years ago now, I was given verses to learn. Two of the earliest ones are in this Psalm:

‘Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things in your law’ v18

This is a prayer that I still use today when I read the Bible, and it seems to take me into depths that really do reveal wonderful things! It always surprises me!

The second verse I learnt I think is a good summary of this whole Psalm, and definitely something I would say has proved true for me.

‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path’ v105

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God’s word is Jesus, as John declares at the start of his Gospel. This Psalm expresses the depth and wonder of God’s word and how it really is the answer to every situation we may find ourselves in. It will show us the way and light our path through any darkness. God’s word is something to truly seek after and depend on as it brings joy and hope.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

I love that God is so dependable but sometimes I forget that and move to worry instead. I want to write out some verses that remind me of His promises to me and put them in places where I’ll regularly see them. Unfortunately, my memory is not what it was, so I need to keep relearning verses!

Who am I going to share this with?

My grandchildren! I’d like to keep encouraging them to learn verses now while they’re young.