GOD'S WORD BROUGHT YOU BY THE LETTER "TAW"

July 26, 2017

GOD'S WORD BROUGHT YOU BY THE LETTER "TAW"

Psalm 119:169–176

Brittany Bush

Central Truth

Life is hard, but the Lord is good! Before we seek answers from our own experiences, we should seek truth from the God who created it. We spend our lives seeking understanding that God has already given us in His Word.

Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
(Psalm 119:169)

Taw

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.

Throughout God's Word you can find at least one of these five things: a sin to avoid, a promise to claim, an example to follow (or not follow), a command to obey, or knowledge to pursue. This handy acronym (SPECK) is helpful to use when reading the Bible. So this passage falls under which letter? Reading this Psalm, I immediately saw an "example to follow."

In verse 169, there’s a moment when the author is asking the Lord to hear his cry and to understand what he is going through. Who is the first person we cry out to when we don’t understand? Often, we turn to Google, read articles/books, ask friends, or go to social media when looking for answers. What if, instead, we began to ask God first? God loves us more than we can ever imagine! He finds joy in helping us and wants us to understand who He is and what His plans are. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths."

Psalm 119:170 then reveals a plea for deliverance, following our prayer for understanding and truth. When we seek biblical understanding, we often discover deliverance, too. How do I know? In my early twenties, I lost my mom suddenly and struggled to understand and process through the pain. Reading this psalm, I was reminded of that, and I began to look back and see that God was with me. Did I gain understanding and deliverance? Yes! I now fully understand that God is faithful, He is good no matter how bad the situation, and He will deliver you through it. Pain still comes, but understanding brings joy through the pain.

I encourage you to look to God and then His Word before anything else when seeking understanding. Remember, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

1. When are you tempted to seek guidance apart from God? How have non-biblical resources hindered your understanding of the circumstance? What Bible verse reminds you of God's goodness and His ability to help you understand His will?

2. Have you had a time that is now evident to you when God delivered you from the moment? How did He draw you closer to Him?

3. Who are the people in your life that encourage you to rest in God's Word? How are you investing in these relationships in order to continue spiritual growth among community?

4. What "SPECK" do you see in this psalm? Who in your life would benefit from this encouragement? How can you share this with them today?