Note from Joanna: I’m so pleased to have Vicki Judd guest posting today. Her blog reflects on our recent reading of 119 – so appropriate for this time of year! You can read more about Vicki at the end of the post.
“I will not neglect your word.” Psalm 119:16 NIV
It’s been a crazy, chaotic summer for me. To say that my routine has been disrupted would be an understatement. Routine flew out the window. My morning quiet time has been blessedly interrupted by sweet little grandchildren who don’t seem to know how to sleep past 6:00 a.m. Some days it’s been all I could do to squeeze in the verse of the day from the You Version app on my phone.
My heart did a little flip when I realized that Psalm 119 was on the schedule for the end of summer and the beginning of the fall season. This Psalm has become one of my favorite chapters in the Bible in recent years – all 176 verses. It is like coming home to me. Every verse reminds me of what is most important in life. Usually reading these verses settles my heart and puts my mind at peace. Almost every verse in Psalm 119 mentions God’s Word as the key to life, happiness, fulfillment, protection, honor, righteous living, hope and confidence. As I read this week, verse 16 stood out as a convicting reminder. It was highlighted in bright yellow; each word underlined for emphasis.
“I will not neglect your word.”
Ouch.
Neglect: to fail to give the proper or required care and attention to somebody or something.
The word neglect was like a sword to my soul. The writer of this Psalm (believed to be Ezra) echoes the longing in my heart.
“Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!” (Ps. 119:5 NLT)
How about you? Has the “summer mode” interrupted your routine? Have you neglected the most important thing? (Luke 10:42) Has your time in God’s Word been sporadic? You can begin again today to make God’s Word your priority.
As you finish reading Psalm 119 this week, why don’t you try reading it slowly and out loud. Or, turn each verse into a prayer back to God. Let each verse speak to your heart. I’ll bet this will become your favorite chapter in the Bible, too. All 176 verses.
Vicki Judd is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God in the Northwest Ministry Network. In May of 2013, she graduated from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. Vicki’s passion to teach God’s Word has provided opportunities for her to speak for women’s groups and churches all over the Northwest. She and her husband live in Washington where they enjoy spending time with their family.