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Psalm 119:49-96 Part 2 of 4 TLB


Psalm 119:49-96 Never forget your promises to me your servant, for they are my only hope.

They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me!

Proud men hold me in contempt for obedience to God, but I stand unmoved.

From my earliest youth I have tried to obey you; your Word has been my comfort.

I am very angry with those who spurn you commands.

For these laws of yours have been my source of joy and singing through all these years of my earthly pilgrimage.

I obey them even at night and keep my thoughts, O Lord, on you.

What a blessing this has been to me--to constantly obey.

Jehovah is mine! And I promise to obey!

With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful just as you promised.

I thought about the wrong direction in which I was headed, and turned around and came running back to you.

Evil men have tried to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your laws.

At midnight I will rise to give my thanks to you for your good laws.

Anyone is my brother who fears and trusts the Lord and obeys him.

O Lord, the earth is full of your loving kindness! Teach me your good paths.

Lord, I am overflowing with your blessings, just as you promised.

Now teach me good judgment as well as knowledge. For your laws are my guide.

I used to wander off until you punished me; now I closely follow all you say.

You are good and do only good; make me follow your lead.

Proud men have made up lies about me, but the truth is that I obey your laws with all my heart.

Their minds are dull and stupid, but I have sense enough to follow you.

The punishment you gave me was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws.

They are more valuable to me than millions in silver and gold!

You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws. All those who fear and trust in you will welcome me because I too am trusting in your Word.

I know, O Lord, that your decisions are right and that  your punishment was right and did me good.

Now let you loving-kindness comfort me, just as you promised.

Surround me with your tender mercies that I may live. For your law is my delight.

Let the proud be disgraced, for they have cut me down with all their lies. But I will concentrate my thoughts upon you laws.

Let all others join me who trust and fear you, and we will discuss your laws.

Help me to love your every wish; then I will never have to be ashamed of myself.

I faint for your salvation; but I expect your help, for you have promised it.

My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me with your help?

I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But still I cling to your laws and obey them.

How long must I wait before you punish those who persecute me?

These proud men who hate your truth and laws have dug deep pits for me to fall in.

Their lies have brought me into deep trouble. Help me, for you love only truth.

They had almost finished me off, yet I refused to yield and disobey your laws.

In you kindness, spare my life; than I can continue to obey you.

Forever, O Lord, your Word stand firm in heaven.

Your faithfulness extends to every generation, like the earth you created; it endures by your decree, for everything serves your plans.

I would have despaired and perished unless your laws had been my deepest delight.

I will never lay aside your laws, for you have used them to restore my joy and health.

I am yours! Save me! For I have tried to live according to your desires.

Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind upon your promises.

Nothing is perfect except your words.

Romans 15:1-7 Even if we believe that it makes no difference too the Lord whether we do these things, still we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves; for we must bear the "burden" of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others--of those who feel these things are wrong.

Let's please the other fellow, not ourselves, and do what is for his good and thus build up the lord.

Christ didn't please himself. As the Psalmist said, "He came for the very purpose of suffering under the insults of those who were against the Lord."

These things that were written in the Scriptures so long ago are to teach us patience and to encourage us so that we will look forward expectantly to the time when God will conquer sin and death.

May God who gives patience, steadiness, and encouragement help you to live in complete harmony with each other--each with the attitude of Christ toward the other.

And then all of us can praise the Lord together with one voice, giving glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.