A Lamp to My Feet

Dannah Gresh: When you’re stumbling in the darkness and you’re lost out in the night . . .

Samantha Lister: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Asheritah Ciuciu: “Help me to stay on the path of your commands, for I take pleasure in it.” (Psalm 119:35 CSB)

Dannah: When you can’t see the wise choice to make . . .

Sarah Walton: “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)

Dannah: When you feel dead inside . . .

Kristen Clark: “My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!” (Psalm 119:25)

Asheritah Ciuciu: “Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless and give me life in your ways.” (Psalm 119:37 CSB)

Erin Davis: “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life!” (Psalm 119:50)

Portia Collins: “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.” (Psalm 119:93)

Dannah: Today, a closer look at what God’s Word says about . . . God’s Word! I'm Dannah Gresh, saying, "Welcome to Revive Our Hearts for Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Our host is Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, author of A 30-Day Walk with God in the Psalms.

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth: This is a time of year when many of us are making New Year’s resolutions. Even if you don’t write them down or make them in a formal way, you’re thinking, Okay, I’m going to get to the gym. I’m going to lose fifteen pounds that I put on over Christmas. I’m going to do this or this every day.”

But sometimes those New Year’s resolutions, by the end of this week, they’re out the door, forgotten! But there’s a New Year’s resolution I want you to make, that I trust you will remember all year long . . . and that’s this very simple challenge to read the Bible every day this year!

Now, I’m not saying for how long; you don’t have to read it for an hour every day. Some of you are in a place where you can do that and you’d like to, that’s great. I’m not saying that you have to get up at four o’clock in the morning to do it. I’m not saying when or what to read or that you have to read sequentially through the whole Bible.

We’re going to offer some help, some reading plans and things. If you need a track to run on, we can provide that for you. But the challenge is just really simple: Read your Bible every day this year! 

Dannah: Okay, okay! So if you’re thinking, I’m onboard! I want to do this, then stay tuned, because we’ll give you more information in a little bit. On the other hand, if you still need some convincing, keep listening. You’re going to hear a divinely-inspired commentary on why the Bible is valuable. 

Now, we’ve done a fair amount of feasting in recent days and weeks, but how about feasting on God’s Word? Girls, we cannot just “snack” on our Bibles! We need to step up to a full-course meal as we mature in the faith.

Our goal here at Revive Our Hearts is to help you grow in your passion for the Bible. We want you to become a woman of the Word this year and for the rest of your life! We want you to feast on God’s Word! Psalm 119 is like a delicious, nourishing stew for your soul. We’re going to hear the entire psalm in just a moment, but first, here’s Nancy to help set the context.

Nancy: With very few exceptions, almost every verse in this psalm refers to the Word of God. One author who has written a chapter on Psalm 119 says that this psalm helps us to see, “the mind-blowing beauty, the sin-killing power, and the breathtaking expanse of God’s Word!” 

Now, just a word about the literary style of this psalm. It’s, of course, in the style of Hebrew poetry—which we could do a whole session on, and maybe will another time. You see parallel statements that help explain or expand on concepts.

But the really fascinating thing about the form of this psalm is that it is an acrostic. There are twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet and there are twenty-two stanzas in Psalm 119. Each of those stanzas has eight verses, and each stanza is built on a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet in succession, and each verse in that stanza begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

On the first reading, this psalm can seem a bit repetitive. It is repetitive . . . and some might even think it’s a bit boring. If your pastor were to say this Sunday in church, “We’re going to all stand and read together Psalm 119,” a lot of people, I think—inwardly if not outwardly—might groan and think, That’s a lo-o-ong time to read something that has so many similarities within it!

But I think of what Spurgeon said in his commentary on this psalm: 

I have weighed each word and looked at each syllable with lengthened meditation, and I bear witness that this sacred song is charmingly varied from beginning to end. It’s variety is that of a kaleidoscope [I love that word picture!] from a few objects, a boundless variation is produced.

In this psalm there are at least eight terms that are used as synonyms for the Word of God. You see them over and over again. Most of them are used twenty or more times, each of these eight synonyms.

Each of these synonyms tells us something about the nature or the character of the Word of God, and in the first eleven verses, you will see these eight synonyms appear. So I want us to read those verses and look for these different synonyms. 

"Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” (v. 1) That’s the first synonym: “The law of the Lord.” It’s the Hebrew word “torah.” It’s the instruction of the Lord, the teaching. 

That word “torah” can refer to a single law of the Lord. It often refers to what we know as the Pentateuch, the Books of Moses. The first five books of the Bible are known as the Torah. Or it can stand for the entirety of Scripture, the Law of the Lord. It stands for God’s revelation of Himself, His covenant with man.

Verses 2 and 3: “Blessed are those who keep his testimonies . . .” Here’s the second synonym. “. . . who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways.” His “testimonies.”

Some of your translations will say “statutes” or “decrees.” This is a word that is related to the word for “witness.” We know that God’s testimonies are reliable because they come from a faithful and true witness.

Verse 4: “You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.” Another synonym is “precepts.” This is a word that comes from the realm of an overseer. A precept is that which is mandated by God. Precepts are detailed instructions.

Verse 5: “Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes.” Here’s a fourth synonym, the word “statutes,” or in some translations, “decrees.” It’s a word that comes from a root that means “to engrave” or “to inscribe.” It speaks of the limits and the boundaries that God’s Word provides for our lives. 

They’re engravings, they’re precepts and rules which must be strictly obeyed. It speaks of the binding nature of Scripture and the permanence of Scripture. Once it’s engraved, you can’t un-engrave it.

Then, verse 6: “Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.” There’s another synonym, “commandments.” And we see throughout this psalm that obedience to God’s commands brings blessing, and disobedience brings a curse, it brings conflicts, it brings consequences.

Verse 7: “I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteousrules.” Here’s another synonym for the Word of God, “rules.” Different translations translate that word “rules” differently. Some say “judgments,” “laws,” “ordinances.” There’s a legal connotation to this word. It speaks of the justice of God’s Word.

Then verses 8 and 9: “I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” The Word of God, God’s revealed word to man, that which comes from His mouth.

Verses 10 and 11: “With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Now, in English that’s the same word we read in verse 9, “the word of God,” but in the Hebrew it’s actually a different word that is translated as “word” in English.

It’s a different word; it’s similar, but sometimes it uses the word, “promise.” “I have stored up Your promises in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” This word can refer to anything that God has spoken, anything God has commanded, or anything God has promised.

So, we have these synonyms, whenever you read these words: “statutes,” “precepts,” “commandments,” “rules,” “ordinances,” “decrees,” “the law of the Lord,” we’re talking about the Word of God! That’s what’s being referred to here.

Dannah: That’s our host, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, helping us understand a little more about this amazing psalm, the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119. In the fall of 2019, Revive Our Hearts held what we called The Sisters in Ministry Summit. 

It was a group of women with established podcasting or writing ministries, and we gathered to share with and learn from one another. To start one of our days together, we took turns reading our way through Psalm 119. 

Now, there are too many women to list their names individually, but if you feel like you might recognize a voice or two, check the transcript of today’s program. You’ll find our names there at ReviveOurHearts.com. 

Now sit back, rest in the truth of these words and allow your heart to be washed in the water of the Word as you begin 2023. Here is Psalm 119.

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!

You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! ~ Mary Kassian (vv. 1–8 ESV)

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments.

Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord; Teach me Thy statutes. With my lips I have told of all the ordinances of Thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on Thy precepts and regard Thy ways. I shall delight in Thy statutes; I shall not forget Thy word.  ~Bethany Beale (vv. 9–16 NASB1995)

Do good to your servant and I will live! I will obey Your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.

My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statues. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. ~Erika VanHaitsma (vv. 17–24 unknown)

My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame! I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! ~Kristen Clark (vv. 25–32 ESV)

Teach me, LORD, the meaning of your statutes, and I will always keep them. Help me understand your instruction, and I will obey it and follow it with all my heart.

Help me stay on the path of your commands, for I take pleasure in it. Turn my heart to your decrees and not to dishonest profit. Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; [and] give me life in your ways.

Confirm what you said to your servant, for it produces reverence for you. Turn away the disgrace [that] I dread; [and] indeed, your judgments are good. How I long for your precepts! Give me life through your righteousness. ~Asheritah Ciuciu (vv. 33–40 CSB)

Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.

I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.

I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love. I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. ~Dannah Gresh (vv. 41–48 ESV)

Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.

When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD. Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law. Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law. This blessing has [be]fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts. ~Erin Davis (vv. 49–56 ESV)

The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words. I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.

Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules. I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes! ~Amanda Kassian (vv. 57–64 ESV)

You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. ~Laura Wifler (vv. 65–72 ESV)

Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.

Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies. May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame! ~Paula Marstellar (vv. 73–80 ESV)

My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. My eyes long for your promise; I ask, ‘When will you comfort me?’ For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.

How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me? The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law. All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!

They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. ~Kristen Wetherell (vv. 81–88 ESV)

Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.

If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad. ~Portia Collins (vv. 89–96 ESV)

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. ~Aylin Merck (vv. 97–104 ESV)

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.

Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. ~Samantha Lister (vv. 105–112 NIV)

I hate the double-minded, but I love your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.

Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain.

All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. ~Betsy Goméz (vv. 113–120 ESV)

I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me. My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes.

I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken. Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way. ~Nicole Furno (vv. 121–128 ESV)

Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts.

Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law. ~Sarah Walton (vv. 129–136 ESV)

Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules. You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words. Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.

I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live. ~Judy Dunagan (vv. 137–144 ESV)

With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep your statutes. I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.

Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life. They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law. But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true. Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever. ~Kelly Needham (vv. 145–152 ESV)

Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law. Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise! Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes. Great is your mercy, O LORD give me life according to your rules.

Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies. I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands. Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love. The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. ~Chizzy Anderson (vv. 153–160 ESV)

Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments. My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly. I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you. ~Hunter Beless (vv. 161–168 ESV)

Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word! Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes.

My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.

Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. ~Laura Booz (vv. 169–176 ESV)

Dannah: Wow! The supreme value of God’s Word shines through so powerfully in Psalm 119, doesn’t it? That’s a group of women; informally, we like to call ourselves The Sisters in Ministry. We were reading Psalm 119, which is all about the treasures, the merits, the amazing benefits of the Word of God.

So let me ask you (and let me be honest, I’m asking myself), “What role will the Bible play in our lives in this new year?” Can you and I commit to read it every day? There’s no right or wrong way to go about spending time in God’s Word on a daily basis. The important thing is that you read it! Meditate on it—or think about it—chew it over in your mind and obey it!

 If you’d like some ideas for where to start, we’ve gathered several resources together on our website. Just go to ReviveOurHearts.com, and you’ll see a page titled “How to Study the Bible.” You’ll find helpful links to articles, podcasts, challenges, and more.

Now that it’s the beginning of 2023, you might be wondering, “What’s the status of the December matching gift opportunity? We’re counting up the total of every gift we received, so we’ll be providing a final update at the end of this week. Stay tuned!

Even though January just started, is your calendar already filling up? I know mine is. Tomorrow, Nancy will share how to make time for getting into God’s Word every day, even in the busy seasons of life. I hope you’ll be back for Revive Our Hearts.

Pointing you to the greatest lamp for your feet and light for your path. Revive Our Hearts with Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth is calling you to freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ.

All Scripture is taken from the ESV unless otherwise noted.

*Offers available only during the broadcast of the podcast season.