Put your hope in the Lord (Psalm 130)

 Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.  O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.
And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

The Lord our redeemer (Psalm 129)

 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”— let Israel now say— “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. 

The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.” The Lord is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked.
May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!
Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up,
with which the reaper does not fill his hand nor the binder of sheaves his arms, nor do those who pass by say,
“The blessing of the Lord be upon you!  We bless you in the name of the Lord!”

 

Redemption from sin and from oppression or affliction is from the Lord. My understanding is that we do not have the right to wish ill or destruction on others. But we do have a Father who sees our afflictions and is moved by our circumstances. In this we are reminded of who we should call on and trust.

Honour Him (Psalm 128)

 Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears the Lord.

​Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!

You shall eat the fruit of the labour of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
The Lord bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!

 

Our Father is interested in us. He is interested in all that affects you. He values you and He values.

I believe this is fear as respect and honouring Him. He honours those who honour Him.

Without the Lord we waste time (Psalm 127)

 Unless the Lord Builds the House

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

The Lord has done great things for us (Psalm 126)

Restore Us Oh Lord.
​When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.
Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb!
Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

 

The Lord has done great things for us.

Each and every single one of us can attest to the Father’s provision, grace and mercy.

Let us celebrate the goodness and love our Father bestows on us even in the most confusing of times.

Our Lord guards and protects us (Psalm 125)

 The Lord Surrounds His People

​Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.

For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous,  lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong.

Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!
But those who turn aside to their crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers!

Peace be upon Israel!

Call on the name of the Lord (Psalm 124)

 Our Help Is in the Name of the Lord

 

Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—let Israel now say—if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters.

Do you trust Him ? (Psalm 123)

 Our Eyes Look to the Lord Our God

​To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,

We turn our eyes to our King because we know He is good and He always is looking upon in kindness and we remember how He has always provided for us what we need. Trust Him trust His goodness and kindness. Trust His love for you no matter the circumstance. We don’t ask to be vindicated for we trust His judgement in all things.

 

Do not forsake gathering in His name (Psalm 122)

 

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together,
to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.

There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
“May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”
For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.

 

Meeting together encourages us, it sharpens us and strengthens us.

Oh how good and pleasant it is when we fellow Christ followers meet for we gain a lot from the experience.

where do you seek help? (Psalm 121)

 My Help Comes from the Lord

​I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

What is stealing your peace ? (Psalm 120)

 

In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.
What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree!
Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!

 

What is stealing your peace? Is it people or actions.

Change is necessary to regain the Lords peace.

 

Unimaginable peace and wisdom we gain from His word (Psalm 119)

I will keep your statutes. I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.

But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true. Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.

Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law. Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!
Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes. Great is your mercy, O Lord; give me life according to your rules. Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
Give me life according to your steadfast love. The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.
I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments. My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly. I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you.

Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word! Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.

Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight. Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. 

Let His word unfold in your life Psalm 119

 My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfilment of your righteous promise.

Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.

Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.

Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules. You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words. Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.

Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.  Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.

His testimonies are our heritage forever (Psalm 119)

 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.

I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.
I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word! Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your rules. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.

I hate the double-minded, but I love your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.
Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.
Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!

The word comforts us (Psalm 119)

 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.

as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.

My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.

All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.
In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast..
If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Word promises give us life (Psalm 119)

 

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

 

I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.

Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.
The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.
When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord.

Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law.
This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.

Teach me your word Psalm 119

 

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it, according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!
My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies.

When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!
Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame!
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

Teach our hearts Oh Lord (Psalm119)

 Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

​Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it, according to your word.

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

 

A heart that longs and follows after our Lord and His Word is what we long and pray for.

His Word teaches us about our Father and we learn to delight in Him as we learn to delight in His Word.

Many follow and do out of duty but as journey through His word we learn of Him and start to like Him and enjoy spending time with Him.

 

His mercy is everlasting (Psalm 118)

 Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

 but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

 

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Praise Him all you nations (Psalm 117)

 The Lord's Faithfulness Endures Forever

​Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!

 His love and faithfulness endure forever. Is not that comforting to know and experience.

Our God is not a liar, and we all have experienced His faithfulness and love towards us.

Our Saviour is the most wondrous display and proof of His love for His people but He goes beyond that in each and every single life.

Let us praise Him.