Most of you may know that Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, it contains 176 verses, those verses are divided into 22 stanzas, and each stanza is titled with a letter from the Hebrew alphabet.
The title of today’s passage is the 14th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Nun, which generally signifies life, faithfulness, or humble perseverance. This letter fits perfectly into our devotionals and Bible study from last week. The freedom that we have in Christ allows us to connect to God’s Word, which by our faithfulness, is a lamp that guides the divine path that God has for each one of our lives.
On Friday, I finished up Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter Scazzero. Chapter 8 – Go the Next Step to Develop a ‘Rule of Life’, Loving Christ Above All Else, which is the final chapter that invites believers to do exactly what the title says, “develop a Rule of Life”. A Rule of Life is something that we, as believers, humbly and intentionally benefit from creating with God. It’s basically a daily plan that nurtures our oneness with Christ. Scazzero guides us to look at life through four broad categories – Prayer, Rest, Work and Relationships. Under each of these categories is where we place everything within our lives. If we stick to the Rule of Life, it is a framework of spiritual rhythms that help us to remain rooted in Christ in every category and every aspect of our lives. The goal is as we grow emotionally and spiritually more mature in our oneness with Christ, we are freely living our faith in every aspect of life and during every season.
The psalmist guides us to see that the freedom we have in Christ is a daily choice that we have to remain obedient in our faith, and to preserver in humility. In these eight verses, the psalmist wants us to hold onto Truth, to endure in our faithfulness by the fruits of the Spirit, and to steadfastly depend on God in every aspect of our life – which developing and following a Rule of Life can help tremendously.
Psalm 119:105-112 (NLT)
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
106 I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:
I will obey your righteous regulations.
107 I have suffered much, O Lord;
restore my life again as you promised.
108 Lord, accept my offering of praise,
and teach me your regulations.
109 My life constantly hangs in the balance,
but I will not stop obeying your instructions.
110 The wicked have set their traps for me,
but I will not turn from your commandments.
111 Your laws are my treasure;
they are my heart’s delight.
112 I am determined to keep your decrees
to the very end.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your Word that provides us with life and shines a light that guides our faithful walk. Holy Spirit, please continue to guide us by Your wisdom each day as we obediently follow the path You have for us. We want to remain rooted in You, Jesus, as we are guided by Your Truth, and freely live by the fruits of Your Spirit in every season of our lives. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.