In the first half of this stanza, we saw several ways that God’s Word gives us clarity in this world. In this week’s passage, we will find three more ways. Take a look at this passage in Psalm 119:109-112:

In the first half of this stanza, the author identified four ways that God’s Word provides clarity to life. God’s Word leads us in the way which we should go, it helps us to live with right behavior, it gives us clarity when we face suffering, and it shows us how to worship fully.

At the beginning of that passage, we saw one of the most familiar passages from this psalm, found in verse 105:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”

That’s the kind of clarity that God’s Word brings to all areas of our lives. And in the second half of this passage, we find three more ways that God’s Word provides clarity.

First, in verse 109, God’s Word provides the clarity we need to face the dangers of this life. That might sound a little odd, in this age of technology and general stability. But often, when the Bible speaks of danger, it isn’t always referring to physical danger. Those kinds of dangers exist, to be sure, but we often flirt with spiritual danger, and sometimes we don’t even realize it.

Spiritual danger can be subtle. Such dangers as falling into sin or neglecting to build our relationship with God can be gradual and incremental moves, until suddenly we find ourselves in a place we don’t want to be. Our enemy is out to get us, and according to 1 Peter 5:8-9, he is prowling around, seeking to devour us. So how can we avoid his snares? The psalmist gives us the answer: “I will not forget your law.” Or, as James 4:7-8 puts it, “Draw near to God.” God’s Word can keep us safe from spiritual danger.

Second, in verse 110, we see a similar area. The writer speaks of the wicked, or his enemies. While this may seem much like the previous situation, it does show us a different area in which we need clarity. Because we strive to live for God, those opposed to God will seek to cause us to fall and fail. Our culture is becoming more and more openly opposed to the things of God, and those who serve him faithfully. They would rather see God’s people suffer. But we must keep in mind that God’s approval for our lives and actions weighs much more than man’s approval.

Again, the best way to stand firm against such opposition is to be solid in our understanding of God’s Word. Only then will we see things in their proper perspectives. God love us and wants us to grow in our relationship with him. And he loves those who oppose him, and wants them to turn their lives over to him. God’s Word reminds us that the enemy is not another human being, but Satan, who is out to destroy anything that he can while he still has some power. Yes, he has power, but God’s Word reminds us that he has been defeated (Colossians 2:15)!

Finally, in verse 111, we see that God’s Word is our heritage. When we think of our heritage, we often think of heaven and the reward that comes with it. And while those are factors in our heritage, they are future factors. What about right now? In this moment, in our very lives, our heritage is the Word of God itself! This is astounding! The writer isn’t looking for a future inheritance; he sees his heritage as something that God has already given him.

There are several reasons for this. First of all, God’s Word is the only part of this world that will not pass away when Jesus returns and this world ends. God’s Word will remain (Matthew 24:35). Second, because the Word of God is a part of God himself, and since Jesus is the Word (John 1:1), it’s not just the written Word that is our heritage, but also the living Word. And third, God’s Word is the source of our joy. The psalmist has found satisfaction and fulfillment, not in things of this world, but in the very Word of God. He is truly spiritually rich!

Because of this, his commitment is strong. He has set his heart on keeping God’s commands “to the very end.” That should be our goal as well.

Question: How are you doing when it comes to keeping God’s commands in your life? Is God’s Word your top priority, as it is for this psalmist? You can leave a comment by clicking here.