33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes;

and I will keep it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law

and observe it with my whole heart.

The writer of Psalm 119 gives us a clear path to our own purpose and direction in life: meditation on God’s Word. In the psalm, the writer takes us through the Hebrew alphabet and uses each section to break down God’s Word by asking for God to teach him, and us, His Word. Today, He seeks to be taught and to understand.

If I know God’s law, am I enlightened? Maybe, because unlike the laws of this land, God’s law comes with His Spirit who seeks to open our hearts and minds to reveal the sin that lurks within us and the need to come to faith in Christ Jesus. The law of God reveals to me sin and iniquity that dwells in me. The gospel shines light on Christ and the mercy and forgiveness our faith in Him brings us by reconciling us with God.

God’s Spirit reveals the need for a Savior through His law. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5: “1 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” My direction and purpose are found in learning God’s Word. His law and gospel both point me to Christ. I pray God’s Spirit enlighten me as to this purpose.

We pray: Gracious Father, teach me Your ways and Your truth. Help me to find my purpose in life and give me direction in life through Your Word. Open my heart to hear Your Word and use it to give me knowledge and understanding. Help me to share the joy of knowing You through Your Word for the purpose of bringing others to You. Amen.