Are You Joyfully Searching for and Obeying the LORD?

        We’re looking again at Psalm 119—the longest chapter in the Bible. It is so rich with God’s promises and love, providing wisdom to those who read it. It is another Psalm that was done as an acrostic, beginning each section with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and each verse with that same letter. We lose that aspect of this in the translation into English. The message is the same as God intended…just not as powerful with that type of prose. Enjoy the Psalm as you search for God’s path for your life.          

Which key unlocks your desire to obey?

This psalmist was excited about keeping God’s commandments and obeying His instructions. He was eager to celebrate, obey, and practice them in such a way as to honor God—even being concerned about purity in youth. Obedience is the key. Consider how obedient Jesus was—even unto death. Jesus wants us to walk on that same path of obedience—although He died and shed His blood for us, so we don’t have to do that. His blood covers our sin—wipes it away—and we are clean as fresh fallen snow. It is winter…and we are seeing evidence of that purity in new snow.

            Jesus challenged His followers to consider which was more important to them…money or God, so I liked what the psalmist wrote about this. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Money can be so important at this time of the year when people are concerned about Taxes. Life with Jesus is the important thing…especially during this time of Lent…of preparing our hearts for Jesus. Jesus’ second coming will be when He arrives with His eternal kingdom. What a glorious day that will be. Be ready. This is where we need understanding. For now…we just need to obey. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. Are you joyfully seeking and obediently serving the Lord?

 

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. ...How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. ... Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. ... Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope. I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever. ... How I delight in your commands! How I love them! I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees. Psalm 119:1-3, 9, 34-40, 43-44, 47-48

So many verses…so little time and space. Please read Psalm 119:1-48 for yourself in your preferred translation.

 

Prayer – Lord, as I look at all the verses in Psalm 119, I am reminded of the joy and blessing that You give to those who follow Your commandments. Your path leads to happiness. Although there is more to life than just being happy, it is certainly something for which to strive. Give me understanding of Your instructions so that I can obey them. Open my eyes to see Your path ahead of me and may I walk on that path, bringing others with me to show them the joy that You alone offer. Thank you for Your love and guidance. 

 

Meditate. Consider what path you are walking on through life.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ LORD, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Psalm 119:41

© 2025 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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