OT Fire Starters – Day 232: Psalms 119:1-88

READ: Psalms 119:1-88

THINK: “How can a young man keep his way pure?” (119:9) That’s a tough question. How can anyone-man, woman, young or old-resist the onslaught of images that entice us to think and do things that can corrupt our consciences and compromise our commitments to Christ? The Bible not only dares to ask the question, it definitively answers it: “By living according to your word” (v. 9). God’s followers can keep their lives morally and spiritually pure by making a firm and uncompromising decision to remain loyal to God’s Word. Don’t get too busy to spend time in the Word. Study it. Commit it to memory. Keep looking to God for guidance.

RESPOND: What ways does this psalm refer to God’s Word? (See 119:1-176 note.) What does it mean to be “blameless” (v. 1), and how is that possible? (See 119:1, first note.) What is “the law”? (See 119:1 second note.) What are God’s “statutes,” “precepts” and “decrees”? (See 119:2; 119:4 and 119:5 notes.) What are God’s “ways” (v. 3), how do they compare with ours, and how can they keep us from doing wrong? (See 119:3 note.) How does prayer help us keep God’s decrees? (See 119:5 second note.) What does it mean to be pure (v. 9), and how can a person keep his or her life morally and spiritually pure? (See 119:9 second note.) How does spending time in God’s Word and prayer promote purity? (See 119:9 second note, subpoints 1-8.) What does it mean to hide God’s Word in your heart (v. 11), and how can that keep you from sinning? How will people treat those who live by God’s Word? (See 119:23 note.) Who helps us understand God’s Word? (See 119:27 note.) How can time in God’s Word bring joy, love and purpose? (See 119:47-48 note.) What’s the writers comfort during suffering, and why (v. 50)? (See 119:50 note.) How can difficult times help us love, learn and live by God’s Word (vv. 67,71)? (See 119:67 note.)

PRAY: Give thanks for God’s precious and powerful Word. Pray that you never neglect it or take it for granted.

ACT: Make a deliberate effort to reflect moral and spiritual purity in all you think, say, see, hear and do. Avoid anything that could cause you to compromise in this area. Carry your Bible and read back through this portion of Psalm 119 during your free time. Ponder the meaning of the verses and how they apply to your life and attitudes.