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Verse 33, says, for instance: "Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of your regulations, And I will follow it to the end." The next verse shows that the quality of "understanding" is involved in whole-heartedly observing God's law. It says: "Give me understanding, so that I may observe your law and keep it with my whole heart." We will consider how this quality is involved in whole-hearted obedience, using the example of lawfully driving a motor vehicle. In considering verse 37, let's answer the question: Why should we avoid giving undue attention to "worthless" things? This is shown to be an important consideration to maintaining godly obedience. We will need the quality of discernment to judge properly between things of great value and those of less or no value.

Stanza 6, Verses 41-48:
Verses 41,44, and 47 say this: "41 May I experience your loyal love, O Jehovah, Your salvation in harmony with your promise...44 I will keep your law constantly, Forever and ever...I am fond of your commandments, Yes, I love them." God's loyal love for us would move Him to bring us salvation through His judgment, in harmony with the promises of His word. What might be an example of such a promise from God, and what should we do to be among those experiencing God's loyal love? Also, we'll see how setting God's law as our own leads to endless happiness! And what a lovely, simple expression of appreciation for God's law. How might we also develop such appreciation for God's commandments?

Stanza 7, Verses 49-56:
Verses 49-50 say: "49 Remember your word to your servant, Through which you give me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For your saying has preserved me alive." The word of promise the psalmist received from Jehovah sustained him through difficult times. How may this be true of us? Today, there is much to harm humans physically and spiritually--which includes the quality of our relationships, and personal thinking and emotional well-being. How may God's word of promise have comforted the psalmist, and how can God's saying preserve us alive? Also, verse 56 hints that the psalmist was helped to keep God's commandments by observing God's orders. Why is this important, and how do we do so?

Stanza 8, Verses 57-64:
Verses 58,63-64 say this: "58 I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise...63 I am a friend of all who fear you and of those who keep your orders. 64 Your loyal love, O Jehovah, fills the earth; Teach me your regulations." The psalmist appeals to God 'with all his heart'--making every effort to please God, to receive His favor and approval. What command of the Law highlighted by Jesus might this bring to mind? Also, putting God first brings many blessings, such as joyful association with those with similar appreciation for God! Let's consider how this is so, and how we may further receive God's instructions for our eternal happiness!

We should find many encouraging thoughts as we consider these verses over the next several days!