Submitted by: Pastor Richard Boettner, Rock Port Baptist Church

I enjoy the opportunity to write for the Atchison County Mail and want to share some thoughts from our Bible study at the Rock Port Baptist Church this summer.
We have been focusing on Psalm 119, which happens to be the longest single chapter in the Bible. With 176 verses divided into 22 sections of 8 verses each, it gives us much insight into how practical God’s Word can be to help us in many different situations of life.
We can start by desiring to keep our lives pure before God and guarding our lives according to the standards of God’s Word. We do this first by taking a regular input of Scripture, whether by reading it, memorizing it, listening to those who preach it, or meditating on it throughout the day.
When we come to God’s Word we do so expecting Him to speak to us in some way. The Psalmist expresses this verse 10: “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.”
When we encounter God in this way, we start to experience the joy He intends for us to have. Life becomes a delight not a drag. Obedience becomes a heart-felt passion, not merely a duty to fulfill. In fact, the Psalmist talks about desiring God’s Word even more than the wealth of this world: “the law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” (Psalm 119:72)
When life is difficult and sorrows come our way, God is still there to provide us strength and comfort. Here are a couple more verses from Psalm 119 that will help with this truth:
“My soul is weary with sorrow, strengthen me according to your word.” (verse 28)
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” (verse 50)
Sometimes when relationships are the problem and relating with other people is a strain, God’s Word can help then, too. The Psalmist knew wicked people who sought to destroy him or “wipe him from the face of the earth” (verse 87). Even then he sought God until he knew God was sustaining him, fulfilling his hopes and providing deliverance and protection (verses 116,117).
Even when others sought to make him stumble or cause him offense, he found God’s peace to be sufficient (verse 165).
If you have read the column this far I hope you will be able to read Psalm 119 for yourself and see what verses help you in your current situation. Please take time to write out your own thoughts and be invited to pass them on to me. I can receive replies by our website at rockportbaptistchurch.com or through a phone call or e-mail.
“All Your word are true; all Your righteous laws are eternal.” (Psalm 119:160)