the word that sustains

"Sustain me according to Your Word, that I may live;
and do not let me be ashamed of my Hope."
Psalm 119:116 nasb

Recently in small group we've been reviewing the major themes of the individual books of the Bible and memorizing a verse from Psalm 119.

Alan (my husband) commented how a study of Psalm 119 earlier in his life was exactly what he had needed to spark that fire of love for the Word of God as a whole. It's true. The psalmist captures so many of the major themes of Scripture and does it with a humble, grateful voice of praise.

So far:
  • Genesis: Creation/Beginnings (the word "genesis" literally means "beginnings" and this book is full of "firsts"); Psalm 119:73 "Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments."
  • Exodus: Moses/Out of Egypt (the prefix "ex" literally means "out of"); Psalm 119:54 "Your statutes are my songs In the house of my pilgrimage."
  • Leviticus: Holy Living (Levi was the tribe of priests, a holy class); Psalm 119:38 "Establish Your Word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You."
  • Numbers: Wilderness Wanderings (Are your feet "numb" in your sandals yet?; a long trip full of amazing evidences of God's faithfulness and humbling lessons); Psalm 119:105 "Your Word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path."
  • Deuteronomy: Time to Review (deut/duet: two, this is a 2nd giving of the Law; emphasis on God's love relationship with His people); Psalm 119:49 "Remember the Word to Your servant, In which You have made me hope."
Memorizing has been such a help and blessing. I'm actually putting the verses on the "notes" tab on my phone so I can review easily wherever I'm at. I'm so thankful for this study and for the enthusiasm my girls in small group are showing as they learn and treasure our great God and His precious Word that sustains.

Moses said in Deuteronomy 32, "Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law. For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess" (nasb).

And in the NT, we learn that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1) in the person of Jesus Christ, who "is before all things, and in Him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17); and perhaps even more clear, "He [Jesus] is the radiance of His [God's] glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power" (Hebrews 1:3).

And so I close as I began: "Sustain me according to Your Word, that I may live." Your Word is what holds me together and sustains my very being. You are my Hope for life and for eternity. "Do not let me be ashamed of my Hope." I love You, O Lord my Sustainer, O Word of power and truth and life. Be praised today and forever with the life You have given me. Amen.

michelle l. grover

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