What does "this is my practice" in Psalm 119:56 reveal about spiritual discipline? Setting the Context Psalm 119 is an extended celebration of God’s law. Verse 56 sits in the section beginning with v. 55: “In the night, O LORD, I remember Your name, that I may keep Your law. This is my practice, for I obey Your precepts.” (Psalm 119:55-56) The Phrase Unpacked • “This” points back to the psalmist’s nightly remembrance of God’s name and his commitment to keep the law. • “My practice” (Hebrew: heleq, “portion, allotment, habitual course”) signals a deliberate, ongoing lifestyle choice, not a sporadic impulse. • “For I obey Your precepts” reveals the motive: intentional obedience births disciplined habits. Spiritual Discipline Illustrated 1. Habitual engagement: Regular—not random—focus on God’s Word (cf. Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2). 2. Nighttime meditation: Even the quiet hours are claimed for spiritual formation (cf. Psalm 63:6). 3. Obedience-driven learning: Understanding Scripture moves immediately to practiced obedience (James 1:22-25). 4. Ownership of godliness: The psalmist calls discipline “my” practice, embracing personal responsibility (1 Timothy 4:7-8). A Pattern Anchored in God’s Word • Scripture shapes schedule: God’s commands dictate how time is spent. • Scripture shapes identity: The psalmist’s “portion” is not possessions but a lifestyle of obedience (Psalm 119:57). • Scripture shapes priorities: Everything else yields to the chief aim—keeping God’s precepts (John 14:15). How to Make It Your Practice Today – Set a fixed daily window (morning and/or night) for unhurried Bible reading. – Commit to immediate application: write one action step from each reading. – Memorize key verses to recall in the dark or quiet moments (Psalm 119:11). – Track progress: journaling reveals patterns and fosters accountability. – Guard the window: treat this time as immovable, like food or sleep. Encouraging Promises for the Faithful • Delight and stability (Psalm 1:3). • Wisdom and understanding (Psalm 119:98-100). • Spiritual prosperity (Joshua 1:8). • Friendship with Christ through obedience (John 15:14). • A life built on rock-solid foundation (Matthew 7:24-25). Summary “This is my practice” highlights spiritual discipline as a deliberate, ongoing habit rooted in loving obedience to God’s Word. Regular remembrance, meditation, and application transform Scripture from mere information into a life-defining routine that yields steadfast faith, wisdom, and enduring blessing. |
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