Daily Bites Of God’s Word – Part 8 – Psalm 119:8

Just as we need daily food to sustain us physically, we also need daily food from God’s Word to sustain us spiritually.

Psalm 119:8 LSB

I shall keep Your statutes;
Do not forsake me utterly!

David makes a bold and declarative statement that we should state! I shall keep Your statutes! I shall obey God’s Word for it is holy and God is holy! I will be holy as God is holy. However, the Psalmist also knows that he is a man. He is a creature. He is in sinful flesh and therefore can’t do this alone. He asks God not to forsake him, demonstrating that he will need God’s power.

Word Study

Keep – to keep, to guard, to observe, take heed to, shepherding language.

Statutes – God’s decree, ordinance, law, regulation.

Forsake – leave, abandon, permit, loosen, leave behind.

Utterly – exceedingly, greatly, vehemently, wholly.

In the context of what the Psalmist is writing, it is not speaking of the covenantal forsaking that God would do to sinful Israel. So, a complete or permanent forsaking is not in view here. I think the Psalmist uses a negative expression to plead to God for a positive result. He is saying, “I need you, God! I need your grace! I need your power!”

Applying This Daily Bite

  1. How has God’s grace impacted your life?
  2. Do you start each day with a commitment to keep God’s Word?
  3. Have you asked God for His power in your life?

Praying This Daily Bite

Lord, I come to you a sinner saved by your grace! I know your grace! I need your grace! I need your power in my life! I will keep your statutes! I will obey your law! I will follow your Word! Lord, teach me your statutes. Lord, create in me a clean heart to obey and love your precious Word.

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Andy Cain
Andy Cain

Andy Cain is a Bible teacher for the Kingdom of Christ. He preached his first sermon on January 4, 2009, and resides with his family in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.