Weekly Introduction: Because the psalmist is living his life according to the precepts of God’s Word, he is able to rejoice in the life God has given him as he successfully navigates the unexpected turns and potential pitfalls of life. I pray that you will sense the joy of the psalmist as we look at the next 8 verses presented under the heading of the fourteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Nun.

 Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path (vs 105).

This verse has always been one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture. In a world of spiritual darkness, God’s Word provides the light that we need to avoid the treacherous shoals and rocky shorelines which have been the demise of many a hopeful sojourner. As noted previously, the precepts found in God’s Word help us avoid the landmines of life that are waiting to destroy us. Because God’s Word light’s our path, let’s not neglect to read it; study it; meditate on it; memorize it; and share it with others.

 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws (vs 106).

In a world of shifting philosophies and fleeting commitments in every sector of life, the psalmist tells us that he has taken a personal oath, a pledge, and confirmed it in his heart, that he will follow God’s righteous laws. Wow! Let us all take a moment to make and confirm such a pledge in our own hearts and then get about the business of following God’s laws, which the psalmist tells us are “righteous,” that is, they are good and will always profit the one who keeps them.

 I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word (vs 107).

Like most of us, suffering is and has been a part of life in a fallen world. That suffering may be physical, emotional, relational, material, financial, or spiritual, but the psalmist tells us that he has suffered not just a little, but much during his lifetime. And with that, he asks the Lord to continue to preserve his life, according to the precepts and promises in His word. He’s not ready to “throw in the towel,” so to speak, but to go on living, but only according to God’s Word. So should it be with each of us.

Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws (vs 108).

Even as he acknowledges his sufferings, he wants to continue praising the Lord, and he asks God to accept his praises. Not only that, but he wants the Lord to continue to teach him His laws, because they are good and righteous, and will bless his life in all that he does.

Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law (vs 109).

At this point, the psalmist is acknowledging the fact that as he moves forward with making decisions for his life, he will not forget to make those decisions according to God’s Laws. And oh, how we should be doing the same. Chart a course that you believe is from God, and then submit it to the Word of God for confirmation and assurance.

The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts (vs 110).

Isn’t it interesting how the wicked want to see the righteous fall! I believe that it is a reaction to their own guilt for not obeying God’s laws. Even when attacked, the psalmist tells us that he has not strayed from God’s precepts. When we are faithful to obey God, then we can be assured that any attacks or problems that come our way are not a result of our disobedience, but obedience. Indeed, Jesus’ words are true that the righteous will suffer persecution.

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart (vs 111).

Let’s all ask the question: “Are God’s statutes our eternal heritage; and are they the joy of our hearts?” I pray that they are. If you are struggling to read God’s Word, then just ask Him to make His Word the joy of your heart! With a heart change comes a change in habits, and with that, comes real life-change. Let’s all be lovers and students of God’s Word.

My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end (vs 112).

I love the final verse in this section. Oh, that we may proclaim the same, setting our hearts on keeping God’s decrees, not just for a season, but for a lifetime. Once again, let’s all make that commitment to live our lives by the decrees and precepts revealed in God’s Word.

I pray that God’s Word is, or will become, a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. And I pray that each of us will make a commitment, a pledge, to read and follow the precepts revealed in God’s Word. I pray that you have a spectacular week walking in the light, just as He is in the light.