17 Practical Benefits of the Bible from Psalm 119...

The Benefits of the Bible according to David from Psalm 119…

Psalm 119:9 - How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

-      The Bible’s advice has helped me to remain on a path of integrity in the midst of tribulations and temptations. To stayinstead of straywhen I’m attacked by sin’s pressure or pleasure.

Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

-      The Bible’s advice has been a righteous rebar under the concrete of my life that holds me together when evil hits me like a hurricane.  It’s the hidden secret to my success.

Psalm 119:24 - Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

-      The Bible’s advice has acted like a live-in counselor for me through the years, whispering in real-time what to do when I’m torn in different directions—dazed and confused.

Psalm 119:25 - I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.

-      The Bible’s advice has literally stooped down, picked me up, dusted me off, and put me back on my feet after some pretty nasty face-plantsand sucker-punches. It’s been my life-preserver.

Psalm 119:28 - My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

-      The Bible’s advice has strengthened my worn out and weary soul speaking to my sorrow with compassion and passion, often just in the nick of time when I was on brink of disaster.

Psalm 119:37 - Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

-      The Bible’s advice has caused me to avert the disaster of a wasted life spent on worthlessthings and instead has turned my attention (eyes) to desire a life of meaningthat matters.

Psalm 119:45 - I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

-      The Bible’s advice has pulled me out of the bondage of indifference and indecision. It has catalyzed change when I was paralyzed in place. I wouldn’t have evercome to know the “free me”.

Psalm 119:67 - Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.

-      The Bible’s advice has kept me from going off the rails every time life serves me up some unforeseen suffering or struggle. It has helped me respond with more resilience and less resignation.

Psalm 119:86 - All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.

-      The Bible’s advice has been a trustworthy companion when I feel attacked unfairly and accused unjustly…a non-anxious presence when life doesn’t make much sense at all.

Psalm 119:100 - I have more understanding than my elders, for I obey your precepts.

-      The Bible’s advice has given me wisdom beyond my years proving that chronological age doesn’t equate to emotional or spiritual maturity. I’m growing up not just growing old. 

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

-      The Bible’s advice has been like a flashlight showing me where to take my next step when I feel like I’m walking in the dark.  It doesn’t always illuminate everything, often just the next thing.

Psalm 119:109 - Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. 

-      The Bible’s advice has saved me from sabotaging my life more times than I care to admit. When life is uncertain, I now give God control instead of becoming controllingand manipulating. 

 Psalm 119:116 - Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.

-      The Bible’s advice has been my hoping-mechanism in trauma when I’m desperate for coping-mechanisms. God’s voice has sustained me when I thought all hope was lost.

Psalm 119:147 - I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

-      The Bible’s advice gives me handholds of help each morning before I crash into the fray of the day…soul-encouragement before life-engagement. It’s my ready-set-go.

Psalm 119:154 - Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise.

-      The Bible’s advice has gone way beyond advisory into the realm of advocacy in certain seasons when I’ve needed protection even more than direction. I feel safe in the strength of the Scriptures. 

Psalm 119:165 - Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

-      The Bible’s advice has literally pulled me out of anxiety attacks and filled my heart with a peace that passes understanding. It’s my calm in the chaos.

Psalm 119:176 - I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

-      The Bible’s advice has always felt like a patient shepherd pursuing me after I’ve run away from the fold of faith.  Even when I’ve blown it, his words chase me down--never giving up on me.