Saturating Your Heart in God’s Word

Dannah Gresh: Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth offers a prayer from Psalm 90.

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth: “Establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

Dannah: This is Revive Our Hearts with Nancy DeMoss, author of A Place of Quiet Rest, for June 16, 2025. I'm Dannah Gresh.

Well, here at Revive Our Hearts we love God’s Word. I hope you sense that as you listen to our podcasts, read our resources, or attend our conferences. Maybe you’ve even heard about our upcoming Wonder of the Word initiative, where, among other things, Nancy will walk us through an overview of the whole Bible over the course of one year. 

Nancy desires to do this because God’s Word truly is wonderful, and the more we can soak in it, the better. And so this week and next, we’re going to spend time in the longest chapter in the Bible—Psalm 119. It’s long because the psalmist spends 176 verses telling us how much he delights in God’s Word. 

I can’t help but ask myself, “Am I this excited about Scripture?” Are you? Well, if the psalmist could write 176 verses about it, we probably have lots of reasons to be. That’s why I’m so excited for Nancy to teach through this chapter as we listen together. 

But to set us up for Nancy’s teaching on Psalm 119, we have a special program today. Nancy is going to read through several other Psalms that have encouraged her over the years. No teaching. No commentary. Today is a sweet and simple opportunity for us to just be still and let God’s Word wash over us. After Nancy reads these Psalms, we’ll listen to some friends of Revive Our Hearts read through Psalm 119, helping us to prepare our hearts for our study over the next two weeks. Without further ado, here’s Nancy.

Nancy: O Lord, I pray for our listeners—some are at home doing household chores; some are perhaps in a vehicle driving with others with them—in different places, doing different things, but I just ask that You would quiet our hearts, that You would still our hearts.

A lot of us have had a busy, active, maybe hectic weekend; some are maybe lonely or hurting or struggling; some are excited. Wherever You find us, Lord, I pray that You would quiet our hearts to receive Your Word, and that You would wash us with the water of Your Word.

Encourage Your people. Strengthen our hearts. Give us courage and faith and hope in all that we need by listening to You speak to us through Your Word. I pray it in Jesus’ name, amen.

Now, let’s listen to some selections from Psalms from the Heart.

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man 
   who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners, 
   nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
   and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
   planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season, 
   and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so, 
   but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
   nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, 
   but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 37

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; 
   be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass 
   and wither like the green herb. 

Trust in the LORD, and do good;
   dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the LORD, 
   and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

Commit your way to the LORD;
   trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, 
   and your justice as the noonday. 

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
   fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
   over the man who carries out evil devices! 

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
   Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
   but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. 

In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; 
   though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
But the meek shall inherit the land 
   and delight themselves in abundant peace. 

The wicked plots against the righteous
   and gnashes his teeth at him,
but the Lord laughs at the wicked, 
   for he sees that his day is coming. 

The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows
   to bring down the poor and needy,
   to slay those whose way is upright;
their sword shall enter their own heart,
   and their bows shall be broken. 

Better is the little that the righteous has
   than the abundance of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
   but the LORD upholds the righteous. 

The LORD knows the days of the blameless,
   and their heritage will remain forever;
they are not put to shame in evil times; 
   in the days of famine they have abundance. 

But the wicked will perish;
   the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; 
   they vanish—like smoke they vanish away. 

The wicked borrows but does not pay back, 
   but the righteous is generous and gives;
for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, 
   but those cursed by him shall be cut off. 

The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
   when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, 
   for the LORD upholds his hand. 

I have been young, and now am old,
   yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
   or his children begging for bread.
He is ever lending generously,
   and his children become a blessing. 

Turn away from evil and do good;
   so shall you dwell forever.
For the LORD loves justice; 
   he will not forsake his saints.
They are preserved forever, 
   but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. 

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, 
   and his tongue speaks justice.
The law of his God is in his heart;
   his steps do not slip.

The wicked watches for the righteous 
   and seeks to put him to death.
The LORD will not abandon him to his power
   or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial. 

Wait for the LORD and keep his way,
   and he will exalt you to inherit the land; 
   you will look on when the wicked are cut off. 

I have seen a wicked, ruthless man,
   spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; 
   though I sought him, he could not be found. 

Mark the blameless and behold the upright, 
   for there is a future for the man of peace.
But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;
   he future of the wicked shall be cut off. 

The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
   he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The LORD helps them and delivers them;
   he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
   because they take refuge in him.

Dannah: That’s our host, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, reading some beautiful, comforting, God-glorifying Psalms to us. I hope your soul is feeling refreshed today.

Now, 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. Here is Psalm 119.

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.

Well, we’ve seen today just how wonderful God’s Word is. And you know what? Nancy has written a poem about that. It’s called “The Word,” and this month we’re offering an art print featuring this poem to all our listeners who make a donation of any amount. It’s pink, floral, and a lovely reminder of the beauty of God’s Word. 

Along with that art print, we’re offering a book by Colin Smith called Fly Through the Bible. This resource offers a 30,000 foot view of Scripture’s story, and it’s perfect for those who desire a better understanding of the big picture of God’s Word. As you read, you’ll meet five people from the Old Testament, explore five events from the life of Jesus, and discover five gifts God gives to every Christian. It’s such a truly helpful resource! 

If you’d like to make a donation, you can visit ReviveOurHearts.com or call us at 1-800-569-5959. When you do, be sure to request these resources! We’d love to send them to you as our way of saying thank you for your generosity.

Tomorrow we’re diving into Nancy’s teaching on Psalm 119. I have no doubt it is going to be a refreshing time. You won’t want to miss it! Please be back for Revive Our Hearts.

This program is a listener-supported production of Revive Our Hearts in Niles, Michigan, calling women to freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ.

All Scripture is taken from the English Standard Version.

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