As we have walked in God’s Word through Psalm 119, it has been clear there is power in the Word of God, both for understanding it and applying it to our lives. It has the power to shape us because the Word of God is written by the God of the Word, namely the God who spoke everything into being. Just as God formed us as we see with Adam in creation, God shapes us with His Word. The manifold reasons He shapes us include: so that we may gain understanding (verse 73) and that we may hope in His Word (verse 74). As a result of our hope in God, God’s people rejoice! This does not discount that challenges and suffering come in this life. On the contrary, hoping in God’s Word shines a spotlight on the reality that the only lasting hope cannot come from a set of circumstances but only the Savior, who is Jesus Christ. Because we see the righteousness of God in Christ and the faithfulness of God to keep His promises, we can come to the Lord in prayer with confidence He hears us, especially in times of affliction. Yet, it is not only that the Lord hears our prayers but that is He comforts us. Verse 76 makes clear that God’s steadfast love comforts, and this is a promise God made to His servant and a truth we can hold onto during times we need comfort. Because God has shaped us, we find our prayers have been shaped by the Word. The way the psalmist lists his prayer is instructive for us, because he prays for mercy (v. 77), for justice to wrongdoing (v. 78), and for the testimony of God in the believer (v. 79). It is a prayer shaped by who God is, what He does, and for the spread of His name and salvation. God continues to mold us and shape us. There will be times we need to be refined or have edges evened out in our spiritual lives, but our prayers should includes verses 77-79 and conclude with the resolve: “May my heart be blameless in your statutes that I may not be put to shame”.

Reflection Questions:

1. How has God’s Word shaped you?
2. How can your prayers be better shaped by God’s Word? Take time to pray in alignment with verses 77-79 today.