May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise; then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.
—Psalms 119:41-48

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Waw ו: And the Lord is Good
By Jennifer Kane

And the heavens declare His glory,
And the earth resounds His name.
And the sun rises with His mercy,
And the stars proclaim the same.

But His wisdom spans forever,
Yet His kindness knows no end.
For His truth is firm and steadfast,
So His love will still defend.

And the seas obey His whisper,
And the mountains bow in awe.
And His hand upholds the righteous,
And His voice is holy law.

For He calls the lost to find Him,
So He lifts the weak who fall.
Yet He reigns in light unshaken,
And His grace redeems us all.

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Scripture: Psalms 119:41-48

Each verse in this section of Psalm 119 begins with waw, a conjunction that means “and.” It links one thought to the next, illustrating the continuity of God’s work in our lives. His love and His salvation. His truth and our obedience. His commands and our delight. The use of waw reminds us that our relationship with God is not a series of isolated events but an ongoing, living connection to Him.

The psalmist’s cry is a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy and salvation—both of which are revealed through His word. God’s promises are not just instructions but life-giving truths that bring us into His grace. His mercies are abundant, layered upon each other, sustaining us in our weaknesses and failures. And because we trust in them, we can stand firm against the world’s accusations. When doubts arise, or when others question our faith, our confidence comes not from our own wisdom but from the unwavering promises of God. His word gives us an answer—a solid defense against every reproach.

There is both humility and urgency in this psalm. The ability to speak God’s word is dependent on His grace. The psalmist prays that he will always be able to declare the truth because his hope is in the Lord’s righteous decrees. When we neglect God’s word, we risk losing the joy and boldness that come from His truth. Do you regularly speak God’s word—both in your heart and aloud? How can you deepen your reliance on it?

Many see obedience as a restriction, but the psalmist declares the opposite—true freedom is found in following God’s word! The world offers a false idea of freedom, one that leads to bondage. But the one who delights in God’s commandments walks in liberty, unshackled by sin, fear, and doubt. When we seek God’s precepts, we experience the joy of living as He designed us to—free to worship, free to love, and free to trust in His perfect will. In what ways have you experienced greater freedom by obeying God’s word?

Boldness comes from a deep love for God’s truth. The psalmist declares that he will speak of God’s testimonies even before kings. In today’s world, where faith is often met with skepticism or hostility, we need this same courage. Paul echoes this in Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” When we truly treasure God’s word, we will not be embarrassed to share it—whether with friends, family, or those in authority. Are there moments when you’ve hesitated to share God’s word? How can you grow in boldness?

Loving God’s word isn’t just about studying it—it’s about delighting in it. I don’t see obedience as a burden but as a joy. I want to lift up my hands in reverence and long to grasp hold of God’s truth more fully. The more we invest in Scripture, the deeper our love grows, and the more we experience the richness of its promises. How can you cultivate a greater love for God’s word? What specific scriptures bring you joy and encouragement?

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My Father God, Your word is my delight, my liberty, and my strength. Let Your mercies and salvation come to me, and may Your truth always be on my lips. Give me boldness to declare Your testimonies without shame and a heart that treasures Your commandments. Help me to walk in the freedom that comes from seeking Your precepts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

February 17 2025