Living by God’s Word || Psalm 119:30 || Weekend Wind-Down #14

Welcome to the fourteenth week of “Weekend Wind-Down.” This series is where we take the verse of the day, look at the face value interpretation, check the background and context of the verse, do a deeper dive on the focus scripture, and figure out what we can walk away with. 

Today’s verse is Psalm 119:130, which says this: 

30 – The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.

Face Value

God’s word can brighten our minds. It is clear enough so that everyone can understand.

Background

Psalms are written pieces of poetry used to express praise, worship, and confession to God. Psalm 119 is a part of the 5th book of Psalms. This collection contains anthems of praise and thanksgiving for God and the Bible.

Deep Dive

Proverbs 6:20-23 says this:

20 – My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 

21 – Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. 

22 – When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. 

23 – For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life. 

It’s good for children to become increasingly independent of their parents as adults. Young adults shouldn’t turn a deaf ear to their parents and elders – to reject their advice just when it’s most needed. If you’re struggling with a decision or looking for insight, check with your parents or other older adults who know you well! Their extra years of experience may have given them the wisdom you seek.

Take-Home Point

I understand that God’s word can provide clarity and guidance in moments of confusion and indecision. All people can understand God’s word. 

The Bible commands us to do two significant things, according to Jesus: Love God and love others. Everything the Bible teaches and gives us guidance and wisdom based on this foundation. The connection to how a child should listen to their parents and elders makes sense.

Proverbs 6:22 talks about how their wisdom and guidance will lead us when we walk with God. We will follow God’s path with the knowledge that comes from God (his Word) and others. When we rest, God’s word can protect us by calming our minds and giving our bodies the space to decompress from the day’s stressors. Our parents and elders allow us to rest with the shelter they provide, the environments they build to nurture us, and the space to allow us to grow into who God calls us to be. Now, not everyone has had a parent or guardian relationship that is positive by any stretch. I want to recognize and acknowledge that. I hope you find your healing when you’re able to find it. I also hope you recognize the hurt and can live your life the way you didn’t get a chance to when you were younger and needed it more. I also hope you can give the next generation the tools, teachings, and resources to help break those chains that have held you down for so long. 

This mindset is one of the ways I talk about how God’s word can be a light to our lives. We can use scripture to reflect on our past, recognize where things didn’t go right, wrestle with them with God, and begin the journey to heal and overcome. I learned that with a previous relationship with an elder that held me to a higher standard than what it should’ve been, and that realization came from scripture. Scripture, as the Proverbs 6:23 verse closes with, says, “…their corrective discipline is the way to life.” 

Learning what was wrong, either by what we did or what happened to us, is how we can correct our minds and bodies. We can forgive our pasts. We can change our perspectives. We can learn new ways of how to handle life. It’s possible, and God is ready for us when we do it. 

Thank you for joining me for this Weekend Wind-Down as we explored how we can understand the teachings of God’s word based on the Psalms and Proverbs. Stay tuned for the next reflection. Let me close out with prayer. 

Father God, we thank you for your word! We thank you for the corrective disciplines that we gain from your word. Please help us to implement healthy disciplines into our life and replace the ones that aren’t. It’s in your name; we pray. Amen.