Day 145

Posted by Erin Bowling on

Today's Reading:

Psalm 119:89-176




In the final stanza of Psalm 119:176, “I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.” The psalmist confessed that he had strayed, and asked the Lord, our Shepherd, to seek him and bring him back. We are all like sheep and need our Shepherd. This was not just about loving the Bible and God’s Word, but about the essence of loving God, who speaks through the pages. The psalmist’s love for Scripture has kept him alive through persecution, loneliness, and when his spirit was low. If you have drifted, come back to God with the same heartfelt prayer.

Have you ever felt like that lost sheep, drifting away from God yet still holding onto His Word in your heart? What is one step you can take this week, or advice you can give to invite the Shepherd to seek you and bring you back closer to Him?




 This was a continuation of the second half of Psalm 119. Here is a one sentence summary from each stanza and the Hebrew alphabet letter that corresponds.

  • 89-96 Lamedh: God’s Word is eternal; it stands firm from the earth to the heavens.

  • 97-104 Mem: Wisdom comes from God’s Word; it makes you wiser than your enemies. Love for the law is why he meditated on it all day long.

  • 105-112 Nun: God’s Word is the lamp to my feet, light to my path. The lamp is small enough to see the next few steps of life; the rest will be taken by faith. The Light is brighter and fans out farther, showing long term direction. Like your 5-year plan wrapped in God’s Truth, that keeps you aligned with His will. Honor God’s laws even when threatened, as Scripture says, “I hold my life in my hands continually” (verse 109).

  • 113-120 Samekh: The double-minded (divided heart or divided loyalty between good and evil), are unstable. God is our hiding place and shield.

  • 121-128 Ayin: Justice and love for God’s commands are worth more than gold.

  • 129-136 Pe: God’s Words give light and understanding, the psalmist cried because God’s commands were not kept.

  • 137-144 Tsadhe: God is righteous, and His laws are true.

  • 145-152 Qoph: An urgent prayer: “Answer me, and I will obey.”

  • 153-160 Resh: Plea to save his life according to the word and laws the psalmist had obeyed.

  • 161-168 Shin: Peace and awe come to those who love God’s law. The psalmist would praise God throughout the day; 7 times a day meditate (number of completeness)! And treasures His promises.

  • 169-176 Taw: Final prayer for understanding, deliverance and praise.


Today's Discussion question: 

Have you ever felt like that lost sheep, drifting away from God yet still holding onto His Word in your heart? What is one step you can take this week or advise you can give to invite the Shepherd to seek you and bring you back closer to Him?

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