Verse of the Day for Thursday, November 16, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Thursday, November 16, 2023

Psalm 119:18

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

In Psalm 119:18, the psalmist pleads with God for enlightenment. It’s a recognition that understanding and appreciating the depth of God's law isn't merely an intellectual exercise; it requires divine intervention. The phrase Open my eyes signifies a yearning to perceive truths that may not be evident to the casual observer or the self-reliant heart.

Wonderful things underscores the belief that within the commandments and decrees of the Lord are marvels and mysteries waiting to be uncovered. This could refer to the transformative teachings, the life-giving principles, or the profound revelations about the character of God embedded within the scriptures. In essence, it emphasizes that God’s Word isn’t just a list of dos and don'ts but a treasure trove of wisdom, guidance, and revelations of His love and character.

This verse also reminds believers of the necessity of prayerful dependence on God when approaching His Word. It’s an acknowledgment that our natural, unaided understanding can miss the fullness of what God wants to reveal. Just as a beautiful landscape unveils its true beauty under the light of the sun, so too does the Word of God reveal its depth and richness when illuminated by divine insight.

For every believer, this verse can serve as both a prayer and a reminder. A prayer for clarity and discernment when studying the scriptures, and a reminder that the Word of God is alive, layered with truths and insights that can continually astonish, challenge, and nurture the soul.

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Psalm 119 stands as the longest chapter in the Book of Psalms and is a remarkable acrostic poem dedicated to the Word of God. Each section starts with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of its theme—the beauty, depth, and richness of God’s laws and commandments. Within this structure, individual verses express the psalmist's devotion, meditation, and contemplation on the Word of God, and Psalm 119:18 is no exception.