Psalms 119:81-104

You have the advantage

 _{Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. ~ Psalms 119:98}

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like someone had the upper hand in your life? Maybe it was in a difficult relationship, a workplace conflict, or even a rivalry that felt unfair. It’s frustrating to feel outmatched, powerless, or unsure of how to respond. And if you’ve ever tried to handle it in your own strength, you probably realized that quick fixes don’t bring lasting peace—sometimes they even make things worse.

But today’s scripture gives us the secret to overcoming any opposition: following God’s ways and letting His Word be our guide.

Notice that the verse doesn’t say, “My power makes me stronger than my enemies,” or “My intelligence makes me smarter than my enemies.” Instead, it says that God’s commands make us wiser than our enemies.

This wisdom isn’t about manipulation or outsmarting people. It’s about having divine insight, knowing when to speak and when to be silent, when to act and when to wait. It’s about responding in a way that honors God, rather than reacting out of frustration or fear.

Psalm 119:92 says, “If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” In other words, the psalmist’s lifeline in hardship was God’s Word. When we choose to trust God’s guidance instead of leaning on our emotions, we gain an advantage that no enemy can take from us, that is wisdom that leads to victory.

Below are some ways that we can apply this in our everyday lives:

1. Seek God’s Word First – Before making a decision, responding to conflict, or acting out of frustration, pause and ask, What does God’s Word say about this?
   • Example: Instead of retaliating in an argument, remember Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
2. Stay Rooted in God’s Commands – The key to wisdom is constantly meditating on God’s Word, not just running to it in a crisis. The more we fill our hearts with scripture, the more we will instinctively respond in wisdom.
   • Example: If you’re facing workplace drama, recall Colossians 3:23: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
3. Let God Fight Your Battles – Instead of trying to win every argument or prove yourself right, trust that God is your defender.
   • Example: If someone is treating you unfairly, remember Romans 12:19: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”
4. Choose Obedience Over Emotion – Feelings are real, but they’re not always reliable. God’s Word should lead us, not our emotions.
   • Example: If you’re tempted to hold a grudge, meditate on Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Where to Start

• Read Psalm 119:81-104 and write down a verse that speaks to your current situation.
• Pray for wisdom—ask God to help you respond in a way that honors Him.
• Memorize Psalm 119:98 and remind yourself daily that God’s Word is your advantage!

Today I want to encourage you that no matter who or what comes against you, you are never without a way forward. When God’s Word is your guide, you don’t have to fear your enemies, you can walk in confidence, wisdom, and victory, every time.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 119:81-104

81 I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word.

82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me?

83 I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.

84 How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me?

85 These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me.

86 All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.

87 They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments.

88 In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws.

89 Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven.

90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created.

91 Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.

92 If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.

93 I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life.

94 I am yours; rescue me! For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.

95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.

96 Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit.

97 Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.

98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.

99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws.

100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments.

101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.

102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well.

103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

104 Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.