The Awesome Word
The love for God’s word comes as a result of our love for the Lord and our appreciation for his word. The Psalmist stood in awe of God’s word; he was amazed by its construction and power. Do you stand in awe of God’s word?
Psalm 119:169-176
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
God Hears My Cry (Youth Sunday Sermon)
God is big enough to hear our cries and handle our heartache. He hears our cries and He cares for our pain. He is near to the brokenhearted. Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
The Big Questions: Does God even care?
Psalm 119:145-152
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
Don’t Take My Word For It
As the Psalmist reflects on God’s Word and His promises, he remembers God’s righteousness (character) and His righteous works (teaching). He trusts God because God is trustworthy. Taste and see that the Lord is good. The big question: Can I trust God’s promises?
Psalm 119:137-144
137 Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
The Bible Works
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
New Life: A Resurrection Sermon
The theme of this stanza is “The Lord is My Life.” In the ancient world (and really today), people could only settle where there was a spring or well to provide water. Water was life. On Easter we celebrate the well that springs up to eternal life. The darkness of Friday couldn’t kill the light of the world. Jesus gave Himself to the Father and the Father did not forsake Him. The will of God is good and you can trust Him. He’s all you need. Do you know Him?
Psalm 119:121-128
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
A Light To My Path
God’s Word lights our way. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear for God is with us. His Word guides and directs us. The snares of the wicked are revealed through the light of God’s Word. Are you trusting God’s Word to light your path?
Psalm 119:105-112
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.