THY WORD

Psalm 119 The Message
a paraphrase [selected verses]

1-6 You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.

You're blessed when you follow His directions, doing your best to find Him. That's right—you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road He set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now You expect us to live it.

Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course You set;

17-18 Be generous with me and I'll live a full life; not for a minute will I take my eyes off Your road. Open my eyes so I can see what You show me of Your miracle-wonders. I'm a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions. My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!— insatiable for Your nourishing commands.

41-48 Let Your love, God, shape my life with salvation, exactly as You promised; Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted Your Word. Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever— Your commandments are what I depend on.

Oh, I'll guard with my life what You've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; and I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for Your truth and Your wisdom; then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish Your commandments—oh, how I love them!— relishing every fragment of Your counsel.

129-136 Every word You give me is a miracle word— how could I help but obey? Break open Your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Mouth open and panting, I wanted Your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me, as You always do to those who personally love You. Steady my steps with Your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life Your way. Smile on me, Your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by Your book!

169-176 Let my cry come right into Your presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only from Your Word. Give my request Your personal attention, rescue me on the terms of Your promise. Let praise cascade off my lips; after all, You've taught me the truth about life! And let Your promises ring from my tongue; every order You've given is right.

Put Your hand out and steady me since I've chosen to live by Your counsel. I'm homesick, God, for Your salvation; I love it when You show Yourself! Invigorate my soul so I can praise You well, use Your decrees to put iron in my soul. And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me! I'll recognize the sound of Your voice. [emphasis added]

I love the TRUTH of God's Word, even when I might write it out in my own paraphrase giving understanding to how God wants me to receive it! Nothing watered down here - just a joy to devour the meal He has prepared in this Psalm all about His Word. Let God's Word speak to you today - not matter how He brings it across your path. Let's walk the journey together - in unity rather than division, loving each other rather than condemning. May His TRUTH give you understanding, JOY, peace, and... an ability to follow hard after Him.

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Choosing JOY,

Stephanie