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Psalm 119:31
I cling to your statutes, LORD. Don’t let me be disappointed.
29Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your law graciously!
30I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me.
31I cling to your statutes, LORD. Don’t let me be disappointed.
32I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free. HE
33Teach me, LORD, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.
Notice
“I cling” expresses resolve, while the plea against disappointment reveals how commitment to God’s statutes can coexist with a need for his help.
Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.
What might clinging to God’s statutes look like in one choice before you today?
Write on thisWhat disappointment, if any, would you name when praying the second half of this verse?
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Where else Scripture says this
12 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.
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Psalm 119:6Then I wouldn’t be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.Both verses connect attention to God’s commands with the desire to be spared disappointment.
John 8:31Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples.Clinging to God’s statutes shares with remaining in Jesus’ word a commitment to stay with what has been spoken.
Proverbs 23:23Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.Clinging to God’s statutes and refusing to sell the truth both express a resolve to keep what is worth holding.
Romans 5:5and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.The psalm asks to be spared disappointment; Romans declares that hope does not disappoint because of God’s love.
Psalm 119:95The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes.God’s statutes remain the speaker’s concern in both verses, amid a plea against disappointment and a threat of destruction.
Acts 11:23who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.Clinging to the LORD’s statutes shares the resolve expressed in the exhortation to remain near to the Lord.
Isaiah 45:17Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation. You will not be disappointed nor confounded to ages everlasting.The psalm’s plea against disappointment shares its wording with Isaiah’s promise that Israel will not be disappointed in the LORD’s salvation.
1 John 2:28Now, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness and not be ashamed before him at his coming.Clinging to God’s statutes and remaining in Christ both appear with concern about disappointment or shame.
Psalm 25:20Oh keep my soul, and deliver me. Let me not be disappointed, for I take refuge in you.Both prayers ask God to prevent disappointment, with one expressing attachment to his statutes and the other refuge in him.
Psalm 25:2My God, I have trusted in you. Don’t let me be shamed. Don’t let my enemies triumph over me.Both speakers declare their commitment to God and ask him to spare them disappointment or shame.
Isaiah 25:4For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the …Both texts turn toward God for help, though Isaiah describes refuge in distress rather than attachment to statutes.
Deuteronomy 11:22For if you shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you—to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cling to him—Both passages use clinging language in connection with God’s commands; Deuteronomy speaks of clinging to the LORD himself.
Where this verse fits
Fear for the future. waiting. wanting a steady prayer habit.
One step
Something small to carry out of this verse
Encouragement
Clinging to God’s statutes leaves room for an earnest plea for help. The speaker declares commitment and still depends on YHWH with the outcome unresolved.
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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).