Bible reading refreshes your mind, spirit, and soul. The Lord knows just what we need and when we need it. Our refreshment is truly timely for each believer. Surprisingly, the Holy Spirit, in writing the Bible (2 Peter 1:20,21), tucked in some jewels right before our eyes. Such was the case in reading Psalm 119. I know it’s the longest chapter in the Bible, but one term inside caught my eye. The King James Version uses the term “quicken,” whereas the New King James Version uses the word “receive.” “Preserve” is the term found in the NIV, and “give” is in the ESV. Each of these terms appears nine times in its respective Bible. But each of these verses carries a different admonishment.
We will look at these words. This Psalm repeats two of them for emphasis. I’ll use the term from the New King James Version. Receiving the “word” is the first designated term in the list of nine and appears twice (vs 25, 107), signifying that the Bible provides foundational principles for living. The second term to receive in the sequence is “in your way.” There is only one true way for believers to serve God, and that is with our whole heart. And all of us fall short in this category, but it’s our goal to live for God with our whole heart.
The next expression is “righteousness,” indicating the degree of our commitment. We are encouraged to receive what is right in God’s sight. The word “lovingkindness” comes next, and it appears twice, also, in this Psalm (vs 88 and 159). It is also the last term, indicating our pattern for living in loving God and humanity.
“Justice” appears in verse 149, directing and correcting our conduct. God brings justice to all. The last term to appear is judgment in verse 156. God certainly will bring punishment for the wrongdoings of those without Christ.
Our kind, heavenly Father gives the last word again:” lovingkindness.” It’s a reminder for all of us to be kind in all that we do. Kindness is better received by more people than anger.
If we receive these nine terms and apply them to our lives by spreading them amongst our friends and acquaintances, our lives will be better, and so will our community.
