Psalms 119:93 - Meaning and Application

Here is a very good resolution: “I will never forget your precepts, but will always keep your word in mind and follow it as my rule.” This is a steady decision, meant to last and never change. The best proof that we love God’s word is that we do not forget it.

We should resolve never to turn away from our religion, no matter what happens. We should not set it aside for any reason, but stay faithful to it and keep going in it.

There is also a very good reason for this resolve: “By them you have given me life.” The word of God is not only life-giving in itself, but it has been life-giving to me. People speak best about God’s things when they speak from experience. They can say that God’s word began their spiritual life, keeps it strong, stirs it up, and comforts it.

The point is also that God has made the word life-giving. The word by itself would not give us life without God’s grace, which is his free and powerful help. Ministers can speak to dry bones, but they cannot put life into them. Yet God usually works through his word and uses it as a means to give life.

That is a strong reason never to forget the word. We should value what God has honored in this way and love what we have already found so useful, and still hope to find useful. The best help for a bad memory is a good heart. If the word has given us life, we will not forget it. Even if we lose the exact words, it is enough if the effect remains.