Loving God’s Law Psalm 119:97 Devotional

In this Psalm 119:97 devotional, we’ll explore what loving God’s law means and how meditating on it all day will transform your relationship with the Lord.

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What Does It Mean to Love God’s Law?

When we think of the holy law of God, we often picture a list of rules we need to comply with, things we must do, and things we must avoid. And if we break them, we imagine harsh consequences waiting for us. But the commands of the moral law of God are different.

For a Christian who follows the ordinances of the Gospel, conforming to God’s law isn’t a burden but a joy. It’s something we want to do because it draws us closer to the Lord God, our loving Heavenly Father. It allows us to experience the grace of God and ultimately the blessings we receive from Him in our daily lives.

Let’s read this encouraging verse about loving God’s law…

Oh, how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.

Psalm 119:97 NKJV

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In the book of Psalms, the psalmist continually expresses his love for the precepts and righteous judgments of God, and his deep desire to keep them. But what does that mean for us in the world today, and how can we apply it to our lives?

First, to truly love the wise law of God, we need to understand exactly what it is.

God’s Law is a Gift, Not a Burden

The law of the Lord is a precious gift that He’s given to those of us who are saved by grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. That means His law isn’t for everyone, it’s only for us. It’s a set of instructions that gives us direction and teaches us how to live as God intended for us to. God’s law isn’t meant to harm us. And it’s not a burden or restriction to keep us from the things we enjoy. Instead, His law is for our benefit, to guide us and protect us, keeping us in alignment with His will and perfect plan for our lives.

Many people see God’s law as something that limits their freedom, but the truth is that it leads to true joy, peace, and eternal life. As God’s people, we’re called to walk in His ways, embracing the truths of the Gospel rather than the wrong path the world offers.

Following the commands of Christ Jesus leads to true wisdom while rejecting them leads down an evil path, a deep hole that many are never able to escape from. That’s why studying the whole scripture, those that make us feel good about ourselves and those that hold a mirror up to our face, is so vital. God’s Word provides clarity and direction in a world full of confusion and fear.

God has given us His law because He loves us and wants us to have joy and fulfillment in life. In return, we love God and want to live within His will. It’s our love for God that draws us to His law and our thankfulness for our salvation that attracts us to keep it. Once we understand this truth, then we can begin to study His law and implement it in our daily lives. So, with that in mind let’s look at just a few of the many verses from Psalm 119 that will inspire us to follow His commandments, and find joy in living according to His truth.

3 Ways to Love God’s Law in Our Daily Lives

Now that we understand that the law of the Lord is a gift and not a burden, how do we develop a deeper love for it? The psalmist in Psalm 119 didn’t just acknowledge God’s law, he treasured it, longed for it, and delighted in it.

Loving the law of the Lord isn’t about following rules out of a sense of duty, it’s about embracing it with our whole heart because it brings us closer to Him. As God’s people, we should desire His law the way we crave necessary food, recognizing that His wisdom is sweeter than honey and more valuable than fine gold.

Here are three ways to develop a deeper love for God’s law in our daily lives…

1. Longing for God’s Law Like Living Water and Daily Bread

I opened my mouth and panted,
For I longed for Your commandments.

Psalm 119:131 NKJV

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Here, the psalmist likens his love for God’s law to an animal panting for water. We only have to go a short time without water before we begin to feel thirsty, then start panting as we become more and more dehydrated. Just like the animal in Psalm 119, we can’t live without water any more than we can live without God’s law. We become thirsty for it, then more and more desperate to get it as time goes by. We long to have God’s law because we know deep down inside that we need it to survive.

Just as our bodies depend on water to function, our souls require the nourishment of God’s Word. Someone who goes too long without food will feel weak and drained, unable to function properly. In the same way, if we neglect the study of God and His precepts, our spiritual strength fades, making it harder to follow God’s ways. Jesus Himself reminds us of this truth in this scripture…

It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’

​Matthew 4:4 NKJV

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Psalm 119 emphasizes that loving and meditating on God’s Word sustains more with each passing day.

If we ignore this hunger for too long, we drift away from the truth and begin to accept the false way of the world. But when we meditate on the Word of the Lord, we’re refreshed, strengthened, and filled with the wisdom and peace that only God can provide.

2. Craving the Sweetness of God’s Word

How sweet your words taste to me;
    they are sweeter than honey.

Psalm 119:103 New Living Translation

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We can all relate to the craving for something sweet like cake or chocolate or as the psalmist said, honey. When that craving comes over you, it’s all you can think about until you taste the sweetness in your mouth. You can’t get enough of it until that craving is satisfied. When we learn to love God’s law, we crave more of it and more of Him. We never get our fill of it, because there’s always more to learn and more to experience.

The psalmist describes his desire for the whole Word of God in the same way. He treasures it more than fine gold, knowing that God’s law isn’t just a set of rules but beautiful love letters from our Creator to be cherished.

Therefore I love Your commandments More than gold, yes, than fine gold!
Psalm 119:127 NKJV

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When we love God’s law, we crave it. We keep coming back to it, longing for more of His truth. With each return, we discover greater love and more practical wisdom within it that shapes our lives.
Then it’s easy to say the law of the Lord has become the rejoicing of my heart, filling the deepest places of my soul in a way nothing else can.

3. Letting God’s Word Light Our Path

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105 English Standard Version

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Even if we have the best instructions in the world, they’re useless if we can’t see where we’re going. That’s why we need the constant guide of God’s Word to light the way. Without it, we stumble in darkness, uncertain of which steps to take or where the road will lead.

The psalmist reminds us…

The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130 NKJV

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When we open our hearts to the Word of the Lord, His truth floods in, giving us wisdom, direction, and clarity. The more we immerse ourselves in His law, the brighter His guidance becomes in our lives. But this light doesn’t come from simply knowing God’s precepts, it comes from loving them, treasuring them, and allowing them to transform us from the inside out.

Jesus said…

I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
John 8:12 NKJV

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The name of Jesus is our guiding light, revealing the path we should follow. When we trust in Him, we no longer have to fear the unknown because He leads us with wisdom, grace, and truth. His light shines even in our darkest moments, giving us hope when the road ahead seems unclear. But to fully walk in that light, we must spend time in the study of God and His Word, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds.

If you’ve ever felt lost or uncertain about what steps to take next, you’re not alone. There are days when I struggle to focus on God’s ways, and times when the distractions of life pull me away from His Word. But even in those moments, I know that returning to His truth will always bring me back into His glorious light.

God’s law isn’t just a set of rules to check off of your list, it’s a gift, given out of His greater love for us. Through prayer, the study of God’s Word, and a heart that longs for His truth, we can walk in His light and experience the peace and wisdom He promises.

And this leads us to three powerful ways to love God’s law in our daily lives…

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How to Develop a Deep Love for God’s Law

Loving God’s law isn’t something that happens overnight, it’s a relationship that grows as we spend time in His Word. The more we read, reflect, and apply His teachings, the more we see His wisdom at work in our lives. Just as we nurture friendships or invest in the things we value, we must also develop a deep love for the holy law of God. Here are three ways to develop a heart that treasures His commandments and delights in His truth.

1. Treasure It – Like fine gold, value the Word of the Lord above all things. Seek it daily and let it be the rejoicing of your heart.
2. Seek It Daily – The holy law of God is a gift, meant to be studied, memorized, and loved with our whole heart.
3. Trust His Hand in It – God’s law is a reflection of His great love for us. When we obey His precepts, we find peace, wisdom, and purpose.

God’s Hand in His Law

The law of God isn’t just found in the words on a page, it’s the hand of God leading and protecting us as we follow Him and His plan. When we choose to walk in God’s precepts, we’re never alone, His hand is always there to guide and uphold us.

Let Your hand be ready to help me, For I have chosen Your precepts.

Psalm 119:173 NKJV

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The great love of God can be clearly seen in every word of Scripture, guiding us toward His best. The person who embraces God’s law experiences a closer relationship and greater familiarity with the Lord leading to peace that comes from trusting His righteous judgments.

When we walk in obedience to God, we see the promises of the Word fulfilled in our lives. That is why the Holy Bible calls the fear of the Lord, a deep respect and awe for His ways, is the beginning of all wisdom. And as we follow Him in faith, we can rest in the assurance that His hand is always there, leading us down the right path.

The Blessings of Loving God’s Law

When we love and follow God’s law, we receive a great blessing. It’s not earthly riches, but the spiritual abundance of wisdom, peace, and a life rooted in His truth. Our greatest treasure isn’t found in wealth but in walking closely with God and experiencing the fullness of His grace.

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Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
Psalm 119:165 NKJV

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This verse reminds us that true peace comes from trusting God’s Word. When we love His law, we stand firm, no matter what challenges come our way. The world may be full of uncertainty, but if we follow God’s precepts we can walk with confidence, knowing He’s guiding their steps. His Word provides a solid foundation, ensuring that we won’t stumble, even in life’s storms.

That’s the promise we have when we embrace loving God’s law. No matter what difficulties arise, His precepts will keep us steady, anchored in His love and His truth, and showering us with His blessings.

Embracing God’s Law with Your Whole Heart

In this Psalm 119:97 Devotional, we’ve explored what it means to truly love God’s law, not as a list of rules, but as a gift that draws us closer to Him. When we treasure His Word, seek it daily, and trust in His guiding hand, we experience the peace, wisdom, and joy that only He can provide.

Loving God’s law is a lifelong journey that deepens our relationship with Him and shapes our hearts to reflect His great love. No matter where you are in your faith today, God is inviting you to walk in His ways, meditate on His truth, and discover the blessings that come from following Him with your whole heart.

So, will you commit to loving God’s precepts today? Will you make His Word the rejoicing of your heart?

I pray that through the truths of the gospel, you’ll delight in God’s law and experience the fullness of His grace in your life.

How has God’s Word transformed your heart? Share your thoughts in the comments… I’d love to hear from you!

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Rebecca L Jones