Psalms 119:30 - Meaning and Application

Consider, first, that anyone who wants to make real progress in religion must choose it deliberately. David says, “I have chosen the way of truth.” The way of serious godliness is the way of truth, because it rests on eternal truth and is the only true path to happiness. We must choose this way, not just because we know no other, but because we know no better and no safer way.

Next, those who have chosen the way of truth must keep God’s word always before them as the rule for life. “Your judgments have I laid before me.” This is like a student placing a copybook in front of him so he can write by it, or a craftsman setting his model before him so he can work exactly. God’s word must be in our hearts by a steady likeness to it, and also in our eyes by careful attention to it at every turn, so that we walk rightly and by rule.

Those who make religion their choice and their rule are likely to stay faithful to it. David says, “I have stuck to your testimonies,” with steady love and firm purpose, through every trial. He chose them, and so he held to them. The Christian who chooses the path of God is more likely to remain steady, while people who are Christians by chance will change direction whenever the wind changes.

Those who hold fast to God’s word may trust God for acceptance and ask him for it. That is part of David’s meaning when he says, “Lord, put me not to shame.” He is asking God not to let him do anything that would disgrace him, and not to turn away his service, which would bring him deep shame and confusion.

The more comfort God gives us, the more duty he expects from us (Psalm 119:32). David says, “I will run the way of your commandments.” Those who are on the way to heaven should hurry toward it and keep pressing forward. We should make good use of time, work hard, and serve with a cheerful spirit. We run in the way of duty when we are ready for it, glad in it, and put aside every burden (Hebrews 12:1).

David also depends on God’s grace to do this: “I shall abound in your work, when you shall enlarge my heart.” God, by his Spirit, enlarges the hearts of his people when he gives them wisdom, for wisdom is called a large heart (1 Kings 4:29), when he pours out his love in them, and when he fills them with joy. The joy of the Lord should be the force that drives our obedience.