Beth.

How can a young person stay pure? 

By obeying your word.

I have tried hard to find you - don't let me wander from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.

I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.

I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.

I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.

I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. 

Psalms 119:8-16 NLT

I've heard some of these verses quoted as weapons, "see, you must..."

But they're all about relationship first. 

Just like the first stanza, read this thru a relationship lens and it makes sense.

"I have tried hard to find you - don't let me wander from your commands."

This isn't about the commands, but about seeking God.

About relationship.

The psalmist wants the relationship to be right with God not because of rules, but because of who our God is. 

And it starts with practices: 

"I have recited aloud..."

The psalmist has read the parts of the Bible that he has access to out loud, because a relationship can't just be in our head and our thoughts but needs to inhabit our body and the world we live in, it needs to find expression.

#psalms

#psalm119

#relationship 

#loveGodoutloud