Psalms 119:153-176

The greatest treasure

I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure. ~ Psalms 119:162

What do you think of when you hear the word treasure? For me, it always brings to mind an action-packed adventure of pirates searching for a long-lost chest of gold, hidden away for centuries. They face countless dangers, solve ancient riddles, and persevere through obstacles, all for the hope of uncovering something of great value.

But what if I told you that the greatest treasure of all time isn’t buried under sand or locked away in a vault? It’s been in plain sight all along.  That is the great treasure of the words and wisdom of God Almighty.  The Bible isn’t just another book; it’s a priceless treasure filled with wisdom, promises, and life-giving truth. Psalm 119:162 reminds us that discovering the truths of God’s Word should fill us with the same excitement and joy as finding hidden treasure!

Psalm 119:153-176 highlights why God’s Word is more valuable than anything else. Here are a few reasons from this passage:

1. God’s Word is True and Eternal (Psalm 119:160)
   “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”
   Unlike earthly treasures that fade away, God’s Word is eternal. His truth never changes, and His promises never fail!
2. God’s Word Brings Unshakable Peace (Psalm 119:165)
   “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.”
   The world offers temporary comfort, but those who treasure God’s Word experience true and lasting peace.  It is a peace that holds on not matter what the circumstances are.
3. God Sees and Knows Our Every Step (Psalm 119:168)
   “I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You.”
   When we live by God’s Word, we can walk in confidence, knowing that He sees and directs our steps. His Word is our guide through life’s uncertainties.
4. God’s Word Gives Us Strength and Help (Psalm 119:173)
   “Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.”
   When we feel weak, confused, or overwhelmed, God’s Word empowers us. His truth strengthens and sustains us through every challenge.

Just like a treasure hunter searches diligently for hidden riches, we must actively seek out and cherish God’s Word to rejoice in it’s great power and benefits. Here’s how:

• Start with Daily Scripture Reading

• Begin with Psalm 119! It’s filled with reminders of why God’s Word is worth treasuring.
• Set aside special time each day to read scripture, even if it’s just one verse to meditate on.
• Memorize and Meditate on Key Verses

• Write down verses like Psalm 119:160, 165, and 173. Keep them where you’ll see them often and think on them when you have idle time.
• Speak them out loud and remind yourself of God’s promises throughout the day.
• Apply God’s Word to Your Decisions

• Before making choices, ask: What does God’s Word say about this?
• Let Scripture shape your thoughts, words, and actions.
• Pray God’s Word Back to Him

• Turn Psalm 119:173 into a prayer: “Lord, thank you for Your hand that is my help as I follow Your ways.”
• Use Scripture as a foundation for your prayers, strengthening your faith.
• Share God’s Word with Others

• Encourage friends and family with a verse that has blessed you.
• Talk about what you’re learning and how God’s Word is shaping your life.

A pirate’s treasure may last for a time, but God’s Word is eternal. It brings truth, peace, guidance, strength, and hope. When you choose to seek and cherish it, you will gain more than gold, silver, or any earthly riches, you gain a deeper relationship with your heavenly Father and a life transformed by His truth!

So today I want to encourage you to get excited and rejoice in God’s Word as finding the greatest treasure ever. Open your Bible, seek Him with passion, and let His Word fill your heart with joy!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 119:153-176

153 Consider my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget Your law.

154 Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word.

155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes.

156 Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord; Revive me according to Your judgments.

157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.

158 I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, because they do not keep Your word.

159 Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.

160The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

161 Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word.

162 I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.

163 I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law.

164 Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments.

165 Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.

166 Lord, I hope for Your salvation, and I do Your commandments.

167 My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.

168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You.

169 Let my cry come before You, O Lord; Give me understanding according to Your word.

170 Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word.

171 My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes.

172 My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.

173 Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.

174 I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight.

175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; and let Your judgments help me.

176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.