Exploring The Meaning Of Psalm 119:33-37 In 2023

Introduction

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Book of Psalms, consisting of 176 verses. This chapter is known for its focus on the importance of God’s Word in the lives of believers. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Psalm 119:33-37, which is a prayerful plea for God’s guidance and help in following His commands.

Verse 33: Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes

This verse begins with a request for God to teach the Psalmist the way of His statutes. The word “statutes” refers to God’s laws and commandments. The Psalmist acknowledges that he needs God’s guidance in order to understand and follow His laws. This verse is a reminder that we too need God’s help in order to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

What does it mean to be taught by God?

Being taught by God means that we are open to His guidance and direction in our lives. It means that we are willing to learn from Him and to follow His ways. This requires humility and a willingness to submit to God’s authority.

Verse 34: Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart

In this verse, the Psalmist asks God for understanding so that he may keep His law and observe it with his whole heart. The word “understanding” refers to a deep comprehension of God’s Word and His ways. The Psalmist recognizes that true obedience to God’s law requires not only outward compliance but also inward devotion.

What is the significance of observing God’s law with our whole heart?

Observing God’s law with our whole heart means that we are fully committed to living according to His ways. It means that we do not simply follow His commands out of obligation or duty, but out of a genuine love for Him. This kind of devotion requires a deep and personal relationship with God.

Verse 35: Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it

This verse is a prayer for God to lead the Psalmist in the path of His commandments. The word “path” refers to a way or course of life. The Psalmist recognizes that following God’s commandments is not always easy, but he delights in doing so because he knows it is the right way to live.

What does it mean to delight in God’s commandments?

To delight in God’s commandments means that we find joy and satisfaction in following His ways. It means that we do not see His commands as burdensome or restrictive, but as a source of freedom and fulfillment. This kind of attitude requires a deep appreciation for God’s goodness and wisdom.

Verse 36: Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!

This verse is a plea for God to incline the Psalmist’s heart to His testimonies, which are His declarations of truth. The Psalmist recognizes that his heart can easily be led astray by selfish desires, and he asks God to keep him focused on His ways.

Why is it important to guard our hearts from selfish gain?

Guarding our hearts from selfish gain is important because it can lead us away from God’s ways. When we focus only on our own desires and interests, we can become blind to the needs of others and to the will of God. This kind of self-centeredness can lead to sin and spiritual destruction.

Verse 37: Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

This verse is a prayer for God to turn the Psalmist’s eyes away from worthless things and to give him life in His ways. The Psalmist recognizes that there are many distractions in life that can lead us away from God’s ways, and he asks God to help him focus on what is truly important.

What are some of the worthless things that can distract us from God’s ways?

Some of the worthless things that can distract us from God’s ways include material possessions, worldly pleasures, and selfish ambitions. These things can easily become idols in our lives, taking the place of God as the center of our attention and devotion.

Conclusion

Psalm 119:33-37 is a powerful prayer for God’s guidance and help in following His ways. It reminds us of the importance of being taught by God, of observing His law with our whole heart, and of delighting in His commandments. It also reminds us of the dangers of selfish gain and worthless distractions, and the need to guard our hearts and focus on what is truly important. As we seek to live according to God’s ways in 2023 and beyond, may this prayer of the Psalmist be our own.