The Delights We Find in Scripture

Sermon Scripture

Psalm 119:17–24, 81–88, 161–168

[17] Deal bountifully with your servant,
 that I may live and keep your word.

[18] Open my eyes, that I may behold
 wondrous things out of your law.

[19] I am a sojourner on the earth;
 hide not your commandments from me!

[20] My soul is consumed with longing
 for your rules at all times.

[21] You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
 who wander from your commandments.

[22] Take away from me scorn and contempt,
 for I have kept your testimonies.

[23] Even though princes sit plotting against me,
 your servant will meditate on your statutes.

[24] Your testimonies are my delight;
 they are my counselors.

[81] My soul longs for your salvation;
 I hope in your word.

[82] My eyes long for your promise;
 I ask, “When will you comfort me?”

[83] For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
 yet I have not forgotten your statutes.

[84] How long must your servant endure?
 When will you judge those who persecute me?

[85] The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
 they do not live according to your law.

[86] All your commandments are sure;
 they persecute me with falsehood; help me!

[87] They have almost made an end of me on earth,
 but I have not forsaken your precepts.

[88] In your steadfast love give me life,
 that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

[161] Princes persecute me without cause,
 but my heart stands in awe of your words.

[162] I rejoice at your word
 like one who finds great spoil.

[163] I hate and abhor falsehood,
 but I love your law.

[164] Seven times a day I praise you
 for your righteous rules.

[165] Great peace have those who love your law;
 nothing can make them stumble.

[166] I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
 and I do your commandments.

[167] My soul keeps your testimonies;
 I love them exceedingly.

[168] I keep your precepts and testimonies,
 for all my ways are before you.

Sermon Outline

1. Light for our Darkness
2. Rescue for our Weakness
3. Reliability for our Vulnerability
4. Hope for our Fear
5. Happiness for our Hardship