Writing God’s Law on Our Hearts - Nov. 16th, 2025

Passage: Psalm 119:41-48 (KJV)

Psalm 119:41–48 KJV

41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. 42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. 44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. 46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. 48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

Central Idea of the Text (CIT): The psalmist prayed for the Lord’s merciful salvation so he could trust God’s word, obey it continually, and proclaim it without shame.

Proposition: Because God’s Word brings salvation, hope, and freedom, we must trust it fully and boldly live it out before a watching world.

General Purpose: To exhort believers to embrace God’s Word with full trust and obedience.

Specific Purpose: That each hearer will seek God’s mercy in Christ, boldly stand on His Word before all, and delight in obeying His commands with their whole heart.

Introduction

What is written on your heart today? Every person has something “written” on their heart, guiding convictions or loves that shape their life. Some have the world’s slogans carved deep inside, living by the opinions of society or the impulses of self. But God calls us to have His law written on our hearts. In fact, He promised that one day He would write His law in His people’s hearts (Jeremiah 31:33) so that obeying Him would come from the inside out. As followers of Christ, we want our lives to be ruled not by sin or society, but by God’s Word treasured within.

Psalm 119 is the premier passage in Scripture about loving and living by the Word of God. It is a lengthy psalm composed of 22 sections (one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet). Tonight, we focus on the section corresponding to the Hebrew letter Waw (or Vav), which covers verses 41-48. In the King James Bible you might even see the heading “VAU” before verse 41[1], that is the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Uniquely, in the original Hebrew, each of these eight verses begins with that same letter. That letter generally means “and,” which gives a clue: these verses are strung together with an and at the start, linking thought to thought. It suggests a continuity, a flowing meditation where each verse builds on the last. This stanza reads like a progression of the psalmist’s prayer and resolve.

In this stanza, the writer cries out for God’s merciful salvation (v.41) so that he can answer those who reproach his faith (v.42). He pleads that God’s word of truth will never be taken from his mouth (v.43), and commits to keep God’s law continually (v.44). As a result, he will walk in freedom because he seeks God’s precepts (v.45), and he will speak God’s testimonies before kings without shame (v.46). Finally, he proclaims his love and delight in God’s commandments (v.47) and lifts his hands in devotion, meditating on God’s statutes (v.48). In eight short verses we see a heart saturated with Scripture!

This ancient Hebrew poet had God’s Word written on his heart, and it showed in his prayers, his lifestyle, and his bold witness. By God’s grace, we can and must live the same way today. Even though we face a world that may mock or reproach our faith, we have in God’s Word all the mercies, answers, and strength we need to stand firm. In these verses, we will see four key responses we should have as people who cherish God’s law in our hearts: (1) Seek God’s mercies through His Word, (2) Speak God’s truth with unwavering hope, (3) Walk in the freedom of obedience, and (4) Delight in God’s commands wholeheartedly. Let’s explore each of these and be exhorted to write God’s law ever deeper on our own hearts.

I. Seek God’s Merciful Salvation Through His Word (v. 41-42)

Verse 41 opens with a passionate plea:

Psalm 119:41 KJV

41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

The psalmist knows that everything begins with the mercy of God. He is asking the covenant LORD to pour out His steadfast love (“thy mercies”) on him and to deliver him (“thy salvation”) as He has promised in His word. This is a humble prayer from someone who realizes that apart from God’s gracious help, he has nothing. He doesn’t demand God’s blessing as if he earned it; he begs for mercy. Any relationship with God starts here: with us receiving mercy we don’t deserve.

Notice he says “according to Thy word.” God had given promises of mercy and salvation in Scripture, and the psalmist is taking God at His word. He essentially prays, “Lord, You have said You are merciful and You save those who trust You, now, Lord, please do what You said. Let me experience the reality of Your steadfast love and rescuing power in my life.” There is a lesson for us: our prayers should be grounded in God’s promises. When we pray “according to Thy word,” we are on solid ground. We can have boldness asking for what God has already declared to be His will. Here, it was God’s will to show mercy and deliver His people; it still is! In Christ, God has supremely revealed His mercy and salvation as His Word promised. We can cry out for salvation and help based on what God has promised in the Gospel.

The result of receiving God’s mercies and salvation is given in verse 42:

Psalm 119:42 KJV

42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

When God mercifully saves you and comes through for you, it silences the mockers. The psalmist anticipates that with God’s answer in his life, he will have an answer for any who taunt his faith. His critics say, “Where is your God now?” (as enemies often asked Israel). But when the Lord delivers, the believer can respond, “Here is the proof: God has been faithful to His word.” The best answer to those who ridicule our faith is a life touched by God’s grace. 1 Peter 2:15 says that by well-doing we “put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” Indeed, history shows that when the Lord delivers His people, it silences the scoffers. Our testimony of God’s mercy can do the same today.

However, note the last clause of verse 42: “for I trust in thy word.” The psalmist’s confidence isn’t in himself; it’s in God’s promise. He trusts what God has said, and that faith itself is his answer. Sometimes, even before the visible deliverance comes, simply clinging to God’s word in the face of adversity is a powerful testimony. Imagine a believer ridiculed for his hope in Christ, yet he remains calm and steadfast. Why? “For I trust in God’s Word.” That unshakable faith confounds the unbeliever. When you truly rely on Scripture, you don’t need to be shaken by reproach. You know whom you have believed.

So the first step in having God’s law on our hearts is to seek God’s mercy and salvation as revealed in His Word. Have you done that? Have you come to God like a beggar, seeking His grace promised in Jesus? This applies both to initial salvation and to every need thereafter. If you have never experienced God’s saving mercy, that is where you must begin, cry out to Jesus for forgiveness and new life. He died and rose again to make God’s mercy available to sinners. And if you are saved, keep coming to the throne of grace for help (Hebrews 4:16). Don’t try to face life’s reproaches and trials in your own strength. Base your prayers on God’s Word, ask for His deliverance, and expect that He will be true to His promises. Then, when He answers, be ready to give Him the glory before others. People may argue with your theology, but they cannot argue with a life transformed and sustained by God’s mercy. Let them see that God keeps His Word in your life. Seek His merciful salvation first and foremost.

Transition to Point 2:

Once we have tasted God’s mercy and put our trust in His Word, our desire should be to never lose our grip on that Word. The psalmist’s next request flows naturally: having answered his foes with God’s truth, he prays that he would always be able to speak that truth. This leads us to the second key response to God’s Word: not only seek His mercy through it, but speak His truth with unwavering hope.

II. Speak God’s Truth with Unwavering Hope (v. 43-44)

In verse 43 the psalmist prays,

Psalm 119:43 KJV

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

This is a prayer about never losing the message. After experiencing God’s salvation, he wants to continue proclaiming God’s truth. The “word of truth” here means God’s Word, God’s faithful promise. He’s essentially saying, “Lord, don’t ever let Your true Word cease to be on my lips!” It’s as if he fears anything that would silence his testimony.

Why would he pray this? Perhaps he knows that if he were to stray from God or fall into sin, he would no longer have any credible testimony to share. If he loses hope or fails to obey, what “word of truth” could he speak to others? In the verse’s second half he gives the reason: “for I have hoped in Thy judgments.” He has put his hope in God’s righteous decrees (“judgments”). He looks to God to vindicate him and to prove His Word true. So he prays, “Lord, don’t let me ever stop speaking of Your truth, because my hope is firmly anchored in all You decide and declare.” This is the cry of someone who wants to be a lifelong witness for God. He dreads being silenced.

The psalmist knows that if God’s Word were to fail him, he’d have nothing to say. His prayer essentially means, “Lord, don’t ever let me lose the ability to proclaim Your truth.” We too might pray, “Lord, uphold me by Your truth so I never lose my witness. Keep me from such failure or discouragement that I can no longer speak of Your goodness.” Losing our testimony is tragic, if we fall into sin or despair and grow silent, what a loss! Thus we ask God to keep us faithful and hopeful so His Word stays on our lips.

If verse 43 is the prayer, verse 44 is the resolution:

Psalm 119:44 KJV

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

Because the psalmist hopes in God’s judgments and prays to always speak God’s truth, he is committed to continuous obedience. Notice the duration: “continually,” and then to emphasize it, “for ever and ever.” He’s not interested in a temporary burst of devotion; he’s in it for the long haul. Having God’s law written on your heart means you don’t treat faith as a passing phase or God’s commandments as short-term options. No, you determine to keep God’s law always.

Of course, in our own strength none of us can keep God’s law perfectly even for a day, let alone forever. But when God’s mercy has saved us (v.41) and we hope in His Word (v.43), He supplies the grace to be instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:11-14). Verse 44 is really the result of God answering the previous prayers. When God’s Word stays in our mouth (meaning we’re continually nourished by it and testifying of it), then we will keep His law continually. We obey more and more consistently as the truth saturates our conversation and conduct. Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words” (John 14:23). The more you love and cherish God’s Word, the more strength you find to obey it consistently.

Being able to keep God’s law forever is a blessing to him. In context, verse 44 can be seen as the psalmist’s purpose for verse 43’s request: “Lord, don’t take Your Word from my mouth… so I can keep obeying You always!” It reminds us that the purpose of having God’s Word in our hearts and mouths is not just to feel good or win arguments, but to live a holy life. God told Joshua that the Book of the Law should not depart from his mouth, so that he would carefully do everything written in it (Joshua 1:8). We keep the Word in our mouth so that we can do the Word.

Practically, when we stop talking about God’s Word, we often stop walking in it. Conversely, speaking God’s promises aloud reinforces our commitment to live by them. It holds us accountable. The psalmist desired the joy and accountability of always declaring God’s Word, so that he would always keep God’s way.

Let’s make this practical: we ought to regularly speak God’s Word, to our family, our friends, and those around us. Don’t let the Word depart from your mouth. If you realize you haven’t spoken of the Lord in a long while, let that stir you to prayer: “Lord, keep me bold and hopeful in Your Word, and never let me stop sharing Your truth.” Then resolve to obey the Lord continually. We are in this for a lifetime of faithful obedience, not a short sprint. By God’s grace, as we hold fast to the word of truth, He will enable us to persevere.

Transition to Point 3:

Empowered by God’s mercies and anchored in His truth, the psalmist next describes the freedom and boldness that come with a life devoted to God’s precepts. When God’s Word rules in our hearts, we are no longer slaves to sin or fear. In fact, we experience a bold liberty to live out and speak out our faith. This brings us to the third point: if God’s law is written on our hearts, we will walk in freedom and fearlessly declare God’s Word.

III. Walk in the Freedom of Obedience and Fearless Witness (v. 45-46)

Verse 45 proclaims,

Psalm 119:45 KJV

45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

The psalmist envisions himself walking freely, literally “in a wide open space.” There is no confinement or chain on him. Why? “For I seek Thy precepts.” Here is a great paradox of the Christian life: seeking God’s commands sets you free. Obedience is liberating, not limiting. The world thinks God’s laws are restrictive, but in truth, living within God’s will is walking in true freedom. Sin is the real slave-master; Christ is the one who sets us free (John 8:34-36). When you follow God’s precepts, you step out of the dungeon of guilt and into the broad daylight of God’s favor.

Many can testify that when they finally surrendered to do things God’s way, they felt a burden lift. The path of righteousness may be narrow in one sense (Matthew 7:14), but it leads to an expansive life of peace and confidence. Proverbs 4:12 says of the one who keeps wisdom, “When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened [hampered].” God’s commands don’t hem you in; they guide you on the open road of life as it’s meant to be lived. The psalmist likely knew from experience the difference between the cramped, dark paths of sin and the wide-open liberty of a clear conscience.

“Saints find no bondage in sanctity. The Spirit of holiness is a free spirit,” one commentator wrote[2]. Indeed, holy living delivers us from many snares that entangle others. Think about it: If you seek God’s precepts, you won’t be enslaved to addictions that narrow and destroy a life. You won’t be bound by the chains of selfishness or paralyzed by the fear of man’s opinion. You’ll have room to breathe, because in Christ you know you’re accepted by God and you’re walking uprightly. James 1:25 calls God’s Word “the perfect law of liberty.” Obeying Scripture frees us from so many dead ends and tyrannies.

Flowing naturally from this freedom is boldness. Verse 46 continues,

Psalm 119:46 KJV

46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

Here we see a fearless witness. The psalmist says he’s ready to declare God’s testimonies (His Word) even in the presence of kings! And he will not be ashamed of God’s truth, no matter the audience. Remember, kings in those days held the power of life and death. To speak God’s truth in their court could be dangerous if the king didn’t like what he heard. But the writer is undaunted. Because he walks in the liberty of obedience, he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear. He knows God’s Word is true and right for all, high or low. So if given the chance, he’ll speak it to anyone, even to the most powerful people on earth, with no embarrassment.

The Bible gives us many examples of this courage. Moses confronted Pharaoh; Elijah rebuked Ahab; Daniel spoke God’s truth to Nebuchadnezzar; Paul testified before kings and governors. These men had God’s Word burning in their hearts, so they courageously spoke truth to power. We too are called to be unashamed of God’s Word. Romans 1:16 declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ...”. Jesus said if we’re ashamed of Him and His words, He will be ashamed of us when He comes in glory (Mark 8:38). So we must resolve like the psalmist: “I will speak of God’s testimonies before kings and not be ashamed.”

Practically, “before kings” means in front of those who might intimidate us. It could be your boss at work, a professor, a popular friend group, or a family member who’s an outspoken atheist. Will you speak God’s truth lovingly and firmly, even if it’s not socially acceptable? If God’s Word is truly written on your heart, you won’t stay silent about it. Jeremiah said God’s word was like a fire in his bones, he couldn’t hold it in (Jeremiah 20:9). When you cherish Scripture, you will also confess Scripture openly.

Where does this boldness come from? Verse 45 highlighted it: the freedom of a life lived for God. When you “seek [His] precepts,” you stop fearing human opinion. You are not controlled by the need for approval, since you live for God’s approval. The early church in Acts 4 prayed for boldness to speak God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit empowered them. We should pray likewise. If you feel timid about sharing your faith, ask: Am I walking in obedience, or is there sin making me fearful? Remember Proverbs 28:1, “The righteous are bold as a lion.” Rely on the Holy Spirit, who gives us power to be witnesses (Acts 1:8).

The psalmist confidently says “I will speak...”, he’s making a vow to be a faithful witness. Can we say the same? God is looking for men and women today who will not blush to speak His Word in any company. This doesn’t mean being rude or pushy; it means lovingly, unashamedly sharing God’s truth when the opportunity arises, regardless of who’s listening. If your heart treasures Scripture, your mouth will naturally testify of it. Ask God for the courage of a Daniel or a Paul, and remember His promise: “Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed” (Romans 10:11). When you know Jesus and live by His Word, you truly have nothing to be ashamed of, not in this life, and certainly not when you stand before the King of Kings.

Transition to Point 4:

Thus far we’ve seen a progression: experiencing God’s mercy leads to a sustained witness and obedience, which leads to freedom and bold testimony. Finally, in verses 47-48, the psalmist circles back to the heart. All these outward actions (praying, obeying, speaking) flow from a heart that delights in God’s Word. He loves the Lord’s commands deeply. This is crucial: if God’s law is to be truly written on our hearts, it must captivate our affections. So our last point is that we must delight in and devote ourselves to God’s Word wholeheartedly.

IV. Delight in God’s Commandments and Devote Yourself to Them (v. 47-48)

Verse 47 shines with joy:

Psalm 119:47 KJV

47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

Here is no dry duty or grudging compliance. The psalmist loves God’s commandments! To him, the laws of God are not burdens; they are delights. Psalm 119 repeatedly echoes this sentiment (for instance, “O how love I thy law!” in v.97). In fact, here, for the first time in this psalm, he explicitly says he loves God’s commands. It is paired with delight. What we love, we delight in. If you love ice cream, you delight in eating it. If you love someone, you delight in being with them or hearing from them. The psalmist loves the God who gave these commands, and so he delights in the message from Him.

We must ask ourselves: Do I delight in God’s Word? Do I approach the Bible as a treasure chest to eagerly open, or as an unpleasant duty to check off? The psalmist sets the example: he enjoys Scripture. And notice, he says “I will delight.” It’s a resolve for the future as well as a current reality. He is committed to continue finding joy in God’s commands. Interestingly, the more he obeyed and spoke God’s Word (as we saw earlier), the more he enjoyed it. Serving God and studying His Word feed each other, when we step out in faith and live the Word, our appetite for the Word only increases.

It’s also significant that he delights in God’s commandments. Some people might say they delight in God’s promises but chafe at His commands. Yet this saint has come to realize that even God’s rules are good and sweet. Why? Because they show us God’s character and ways. Because obeying them leads to blessing and fellowship with God. And ultimately, because love has transformed his heart: when you love someone, you want to do what pleases them. “If ye love me, keep my commandments,” Jesus said (John 14:15). When we truly love Christ, His commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3). Instead, we say, “Lord, I want to follow Your ways; it’s my delight to honor You.”

Verse 48 continues,

Psalm 119:48 KJV

48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

Lifting up hands to God’s commandments is a striking image. Lifting up hands is usually a posture of prayer or worship. Here, doing so toward God’s commands signifies reverent devotion and readiness to obey. It’s as if he’s reaching out to embrace every command God gives, even pledging allegiance to them. In short, he publicly and joyfully honors God’s Word. Twice in this verse he repeats that he loves God’s commands, it’s clearly heartfelt. Then he adds, “I will meditate in thy statutes.” Loving God’s Word leads to thinking on it continually. Meditation means to ponder, to turn over in the mind, to dwell on it. The picture is of someone who can’t get enough of Scripture, even when not reading it, he’s recalling it and chewing on it mentally.

This is how God’s law is truly written on our hearts: through constant meditation born out of love. You remember what you care about. If you love a song, you find yourself humming it throughout the day. If you love God’s Word, you will find yourself recalling it throughout the day, applying it to your situations. David said in Psalm 119:97, “It is my meditation all the day.” That’s a man with God’s law on his heart.

So for our application: Delight and devotion. We should earnestly seek to cultivate a love for Scripture. If Bible reading has become stale for you, pray for God to renew your delight. Sometimes we need to repent of coldness of heart and ask the Lord to make His words sweet to us again. Try approaching Scripture not as a textbook or a checklist, but as a love letter from your Creator and Savior. The psalmist’s enthusiasm is infectious, he loves this Book! Ask God to give you that same affection for truth.

Also, devote yourself to God’s Word through tangible actions: lift your hands to it, meaning, commit yourself openly to follow it. This might mean making concrete choices like: “I will obey whatever I see here, even if it’s hard,” or “I will stand publicly for the teachings of the Bible, even if it’s unpopular.” We raise our hand, so to speak, and say, “Yes, Lord, I’m committed to living by Your Word.” And then, meditate on it. Don’t just read a chapter and forget it; carry a verse with you in your thoughts. Perhaps write a verse on a card and revisit it during the day. Think deeply: what does this teach me about God? How should I respond? As we meditate, we internalize Scripture so that it truly becomes part of us. It’s the difference between glancing at a seed versus planting it in soil. Meditation plants the seed of the Word in the soil of your heart so it can take root and bear fruit.

Ultimately, verses 47-48 show a soul in love with God’s Word, worshiping God through cherishing His commands. This is the pinnacle of having the law written on our hearts: when duty turns into delight, and commands become our counselors, and we lift our hands in thankful praise for every statute God has given. May the Lord develop in us that kind of passion for His Word.

Conclusion

As we conclude, let’s reflect on this picture of a Word-saturated life. It begins with a cry for mercy and salvation according to God’s promise, reminding us that we all must start at the cross of Christ, where God’s mercy flows to undeserving sinners. Have you received that mercy? If not, the invitation is open: Jesus died for your sins and rose again. He promises, “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Let His mercies come to you tonight.

If you have tasted the Lord’s grace, this psalm calls you to deeper commitment. In the New Covenant, God has written His law on our hearts by His Spirit; now we must live it out each day. Treasure His Word so greatly that it overflows from your mouth and directs your every step. The psalmist could answer his critics, obey continually, walk in freedom, speak God’s Word boldly, and delight in God’s commands. What an example for us!

Friends, let’s examine our hearts. Do you need to rekindle your love for Scripture? Perhaps you’ve neglected the Word, and your joy in Christ has faded. Return to the Bible with fresh hunger, pray, “Lord, let me love Your commandments.” Have you been timid about sharing your faith? Take courage: if God’s Word is your delight, He will make it your bold declaration. Or have you been struggling with obeying a certain command, viewing it as a burden? See instead the freedom that comes with surrendering to God’s ways. His path leads to a broad place, a life of blessing, unchained from the snares of sin.

God is calling us to write His law on our hearts, to actively remember, speak, and do what He says, not out of legalism but out of love and gratitude. When you leave here tonight, carry the truth of Scripture into your week. When fear or shame tempt you to hide your faith, recall this psalm and declare, “I will speak God’s truth and not be ashamed.” When weariness whispers “give up,” pray, “Lord, don’t take Your word of truth from my mouth,” and keep obeying.

Above all, keep your eyes on Jesus, the Living Word, who perfectly lived out the written Word. He always sought the Father’s will, answered Satan’s temptations with Scripture, walked in true freedom from sin, boldly confessed the truth before Pontius Pilate, and delighted to do God’s will (Psalm 40:8). He is our Savior and model. By His death and resurrection, He secured all the mercies we need (v.41). By His Spirit, He empowers us to live out verses 42-48. We are not alone; God Himself helps us.

If we do, we’ll be like that tree planted by the rivers of water (Psalm 1:3), flourishing and giving light to a dark world, ready to answer everyone who asks about our hope.

Now is the time to respond. If you need to be saved, don’t wait, cry out to Jesus for mercy. If you know the Lord, decide what step you will take to more deeply inscribe God’s Word on your heart. Perhaps it’s committing to daily Bible reading, memorizing Scripture, speaking up about Jesus where you’ve been silent, or forsaking a sin that hinders your obedience. Whatever the Holy Spirit is pressing on your heart, yield to Him.

Remember, God’s arms are full of mercies ready to “come unto you” (v.41). He wants to help you live for Him. The grace that saved you will also keep and embolden you. So pray for that grace and then walk forward in faith. May we each be able to say, “Your testimonies are my delight” (Psalm 119:24), and may our church be known as people who have God’s Word etched on our hearts and evident in our lives.

Let’s not leave here as mere hearers, but as doers of the Word. As we close in prayer and song, respond to God from your heart: “Lord, I lift my hands to Your commands, I’m all in. Write Your Word on my heart, and help me live it out boldly for Your glory.” Amen.

HYPERLINK "https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pcj52plloLLYo6SyTCMECVXQg75I15hZ" \h[1] 19 Psa. AV.txt

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pcj52plloLLYo6SyTCMECVXQg75I15hZ

[2] Spurgeon, Charles Haddon_The Golden Alphabet- A Devotional Commentary on Psalm 119.docx

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KRFDxuKD8wuTprzHR6ehqhXC35LWYyWK