Psalm 119:33-40

Introduction

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is dedicated entirely to exalting the Word of God. Each verse highlights the psalmist's love for God's law and his desire to live according to it. Verses 33-40 form a section that emphasizes the psalmist’s prayerful dependence on God for understanding, guidance, and transformation. This sermon will examine three themes: the psalmist’s yearning for divine instruction, his pursuit of spiritual renewal, and his reliance on God’s promises.

A Yearning for Divine Instruction (Psalm 119:33-35)

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight."

Teach Me (v. 33): The psalmist’s request begins with a plea for God to teach him. This reflects a posture of humility and dependence. He recognizes that true understanding of God’s Word comes from divine revelation, not mere human effort. The psalmist’s desire is not just for intellectual knowledge but for transformative teaching that enables lifelong obedience.

James 1:5 “5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Give Me Understanding (v. 34): Beyond knowledge, the psalmist desires spiritual insight to live according to God’s law. Observing the law “with my whole heart” signifies a wholehearted commitment to obedience. This understanding goes beyond surface-level comprehension; it requires discernment and wisdom to apply God’s Word to every aspect of life.

Proverbs 3:5–6“5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.”

Ephesians 1:17–18 “17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

Make Me Go (v. 35): The psalmist acknowledges his need for God’s enabling power to walk in obedience. His delight in God’s commandments reflects the joy that comes from living in alignment with God’s will. He recognizes that without divine guidance, his steps might falter.

Psalm 37:23 “23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way.”

Isaiah 30:21 “21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, When ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

Application: Seek God’s guidance in understanding His Word. Approach Scripture with humility and a willingness to be taught, knowing that obedience leads to joy and fulfillment. Develop a habit of prayer, asking God to illuminate His truth in your daily walk.

A Pursuit of Spiritual Renewal (Psalm 119:36-37)

"Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."

Incline My Heart (v. 36): The psalmist prays for his heart to be drawn toward God’s testimonies rather than the distractions of worldly desires. Covetousness here represents a misplaced longing for material gain or self-centered pursuits. This prayer highlights the importance of internal transformation—a heart that truly loves God’s Word.

Matthew 6:21 “21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Colossians 3:2 “2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Turn Away Mine Eyes (v. 37): He seeks protection from being enticed by “vanity,” or worthless things. This is a recognition of the power of temptation and the need for God’s intervention to remain focused on what is eternal. Vanity can include anything that distracts from the pursuit of holiness and God’s purposes.

1 John 2:16–17 “16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

Quicken Me (v. 37): The psalmist desires to be spiritually revived and energized to walk in God’s way. This highlights the ongoing need for renewal in the believer’s life. Spiritual vitality comes from God’s Spirit working through His Word to sustain and strengthen us.

Romans 8:11 “11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

Application: Pray for God’s help in guarding your heart and eyes from distractions that pull you away from Him. Regularly seek spiritual renewal through His Word and prayer. Identify areas in your life that may need to be redirected toward God’s purposes, and take intentional steps to refocus your attention.

A Reliance on God’s Promises (Psalm 119:38-40)

"Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness."

Stablish Thy Word (v. 38): The psalmist asks God to confirm His promises and give assurance of His faithfulness. This prayer reflects a deep trust in God’s unchanging Word. To be "stablished" in God’s Word means to have a firm foundation, knowing that His promises will never fail.

Turn Away My Reproach (v. 39): The psalmist expresses concern about reproach or disgrace, which could stem from sin or opposition from others. He finds confidence in the goodness of God’s judgments. This verse demonstrates the psalmist’s dependence on God to guard his reputation and uphold him in righteousness. (See

Psalm 25:2–3 “2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, Let not mine enemies triumph over me. 3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: Let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.”

Romans 8:1 “1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Longing and Revival (v. 40): The psalmist’s longing for God’s precepts reveals his deep desire for righteousness. He again asks for spiritual quickening, underscoring the need for God’s continual work in his life. This longing reflects the heart of someone who is truly devoted to growing in godliness.

Matthew 5:6 “6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Application: Anchor your faith in the promises of God. Trust in His Word to sustain and guide you, and seek His righteousness as your ultimate goal. Regularly meditate on God’s promises and let them shape your response to life’s challenges. Allow God’s faithfulness to strengthen your hope and resolve.

Conclusion

Psalm 119:33-40 teaches us the importance of seeking God’s instruction, pursuing spiritual renewal, and relying on His promises. It reminds us that a life centered on God’s Word is marked by joy, transformation, and unwavering trust in His faithfulness.

Let us, like the psalmist, approach God with a heart that longs to learn, a will that desires to obey, and a spirit that depends on His sustaining grace. May we be quickened in His righteousness and find delight in walking in His ways.

As we reflect on this passage, let us be encouraged to make God’s Word the foundation of our lives. Pray for divine instruction, seek ongoing renewal, and trust in the promises of God. In doing so, we will experience the fullness of life that comes from living according to His Word. Amen.