Recall the theme for stanza 5:

WHOLE-HEARTED OBEDIENCE CAN BE (HAPPILY) CULTIVATED AND SUSTAINED OVER TIME.

Verses 33, 34 and 37 contain some key thoughts on this theme, helping us to comprehend God's law and it's value, and hold to it. Here are the verses and their associated comments:

Psalm 119:33 Teach me, O Jehovoe, the way of your [instructions], And I will follow it to the end.

"FOLLOW IT TO THE END." Evidently, even the detailed instructions and procedures of God's law the psalmist was eager to learn from God, so as to obey Him fully. He was determined to keep God's instructions "to the end," possibly meaning "to the last detail." The psalmist may even have had a double-meaning in mind here, as AMP adds "[steadfastly]." Regardless, we should appreciate even detailed instructions from God, realizing their valued contribution to His purpose. May we thus seek an obedient heart. Of course, these are God's instructions or rules the psalmist is referring to--rules formulated by humans should carefully take God's word into consideration, lest they become unduly cumbersome, or violate right standards, or even common sense! We should still aim to respect even man-made rules that do not conflict with God's word, where we perceive they are properly authorized or made with good intentions and that they're conceived for good reasons. Later, the psalmist mentions keeping God's law "forever and ever." May we likewise look long-term, comprehending God's eternal purpose, to have right-hearted worshippers happily and peaceably loving Him and one another throughout His universe. This requires that all acknowledge Jehovoe's just, fair, and right standards for living.

Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding, So that I may observe your law And keep it with my whole heart.

UNDERSTANDING NEEDED. The psalmist recognizes the importance of the quality of understanding, when it comes to learning to fully obey Jehovoe. Understanding involves seeing the big picture, along with all the individual pieces that make it up, and how they all interconnect to make the whole. This is vital, for instance, when learning to operate a motor vehicle. There are things to know and traffic laws that must be learned, that together make it possible to safely navigate the roadways among fellow drivers. Without drivers understanding this important knowledge, there would be chaos and confusion. By the time people learn to drive, they thus use this thinking to do so properly. God is honored by our respect for such laws. We of course learn such laws, not only for our own benefit, but out of love and respect for our neighbors, with interest in their safety. With such motives, it is possible to observe God's law with our "whole heart." Such laws will then most likely affect our actions and reactions, as we truly seek to obey and honor God from the heart. Older children can further develop this quality with overviews of various subjects, such as may be found in many books designed for the young, and as may appear in various periodicals known for wholesome instruction, such as Reader's Digest, and the Bible journal known as Awake!. It is important to remember, however, that with proper discernment--telling the difference between things--one's understanding can be more useful and effective. Such acquired discernment aids a younger person, especially before they reach about the age of 8 years or later, when one might begin growing more steadily to understand broader topics.

Verse 37 Turn my eyes away from looking at what is unworthy; Preserve me alive in your way.

SPURNING WHAT IS "UNWORTHY" Psalm 119:37 This verse shows an important consideration to maintaining godly obedience--being careful what we give attention to, especially what we choose to listen to or look at. We need the quality of discernment, or possibly "telldiff", to tell the difference or judge between something of value spiritually and something "unworthy." This quality helps us discern between right and wrong, true and false, good and bad, wise and unwise, and between more important matters and those less so but still required. We might add: between things of great value and those of less or no value, between clean and unclean things in God's eyes, and serious matters and less serious matters. Let's use God's word to correct a child's thinking on these matters. How would you value a close relationship with God? How about eternal life in true peace and happiness, and that of your loved ones and friends? Of course, the latter depends upon the former. Hopefully you've come to value both highly. If so, we should have no problem turning away from things that undermine, or threaten to take away, what we treasure most, choosing instead the things in harmony with God's right ways and standards. In this way we act in harmony with the psalmist's plea to be 'preserved alive in God's own way.' If you don't yet feel close to God, pray to Him more, with faith, or deep trust in Him and His desire to reward you for your loyalty. (Hebre 11:6). Confidently ask him for things you truly need, and experience His hand of assistance in your life, while you read His word for His guidance. In this way, "Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you..." (James 4:8). 

A little more on what we're talking about here. What is a show or movie teaching? If a character is out of line, are there others holding true, and perhaps in some good way trying to help that one correct hisr thinking? Or does the show teach people to take vengeance and act out in violent or unlawful ways? Is that what we want ourselves or our children to learn? Have favorites! Find the good shows and add these to your collection!

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