I’m always amazed when I read Psalm 119. This psalm, the Bible’s longest chapter, is dripping with love for God’s Word. And that’s where awe comes in. Because, when Psalm 119 was written, Scripture was nowhere near the complete canon that we enjoy today. Exuberant love for the four Gospels? Romans 8? First Corinthians 15? Ephesians 1? Revelation 20–21? Absolutely! Loving those classic texts is easy.
But when the writer of Psalm 119 proclaimed his love for God’s Word, he referred to it as God’s judgments (v.91), instruction (v.92), precepts (v.93), decrees (v.95), and statutes (v.112). In other words, he has the Jewish Torah in mind—the Old Testament Law.
Now, I don’t know about you, but laws aren’t terribly exciting to me. When have you ever heard a pregame hype song or a top 40 music hit extol the glories of rules and regulations? When was the last time you skipped Friday night popcorn and a movie to dive into an instruction manual instead? So often, these parts of Scripture feel difficult to connect to. And yet, the writer of Psalm 119 cries out, “How I love your instruction! It is my mediation all day long” (v.97).
Even then, centuries before the fulfillment of God’s eternal salvation plan through Christ’s incarnation, the biblical writer was rejoicing in the hope that’s only found in God’s Word. If that was the heart posture of a psalmist who had only a partial revelation of the canon of Scripture we have today, how much more should it be ours now that we have God’s Word in its glorious fullness!
God’s redemptive plan has been one of progressive revelation. He gave the Old Testament saints glimpses of His salvation. He foretold of a coming Savior. He hinted at a new covenant of grace to replace the old covenant of the law. He pointed to the resurrection of the dead. But what we now know in full, the ancient believers only saw in shadows. They found their satisfaction in the Lord, His Word, and His promises, yet they still hoped for what was to come.
And so do we. Even as we live on the other side of the cross, we groan in a world racked with sin, pain, suffering, and death. Living in the already-but-not-yet stage of God’s redemptive plan, we hope for ultimate salvation. We await the final advent of our Savior from heaven who will one day return to destroy all evil, usher in His heavenly kingdom, and dwell with us in eternity forever.
Until then? We wait, obey, pray, suffer, trust, and hope—just like the saints of old. What anchors us as we wait amid life’s billowing waves? The promises and truths found in God’s Word—exactly what secured long-ago believers.
Life changes, but God and His Word do not. And so the ancient cry of Psalm 119:174 remains ours as well: “I long for your salvation, LORD, and your instruction is my delight.”
Written by Josh Cooley
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104 thoughts on "Psalm 119:89–176"
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Let me keep your ways and precepts Lord. Help me to keep on the right path with you.
I pray I meditate on His word and that I find joy in obeying Him!
Life changes, but God and His promises do not. Amen. I have so much hope thus far from our psalms reading.
Amen
Amen
I loved today’s reading. Verse after verse reminding me that true peace, direction and life comes from God’s Word. It is so easy for me to watch or read the news and get myself all upset about things in the world. Things that I truly have no control over. Today was just the reminder I needed that spending time in God’s Word is the only place I find the peace I so desire and need.
Great to see you, Teresa! ❤ How are things with you and Amanda? Apologies if I missed an update! ❤
Amen
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Good morning and Happy Tuesday!! I SO enjoyed the Zoom meeting yesterday! Thank you SRT team!!!
There was a zoom meeting? How was that communicated?
JOSH COOLEY, thank you! Excellent devo (and a chuckle from “When was the last time you skipped Friday night popcorn and a movie to dive into an instruction manual instead?”). ☺
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So many mentions of “meditate”. TAMI, your comment yesterday spurred me to follow through on that. Got questions had some good info and references for those interested. Also, re: your desire to know more Hebrew meanings – Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is a great resource for that!
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“Meditate” from article on Got Questions:
“Thinking on God’s Word and His character is the focus of meditation, and its goal is obedience. Focusing on the Bible and God’s ways will help us in our walk with God: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
In the New Testament, Timothy is told to “meditate on” what Paul has written (1 Timothy 4:15, KJV)—the NASB has “be absorbed in.” All believers are admonished in Philippians 4:8 to control their thoughts: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Meditating on what is good and right has the end goal of turning thoughts into action and putting them into practice (Philippians 4:9). Coming into contact with the Bible should promote change in a person’s life (James 1:22–25), and biblical meditation will help ensure proper change. …
Christians should follow the Bible’s teaching on meditation and meditate on God and His Word, not on ourselves or the things of this world. We should not participate in the world’s version of meditation, but instead meditate on God’s Word and allow it to transform us (Romans 12:2).”
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SONG SHARE:
Amy Grant – Thy Word (Lyric Video)
Lyrics:
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
When I feel afraid,
Think I’ve lost my way,
Still you’re there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear
As long as you are near.
Please be near me to the end.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide,
And hold me to your side,
I will love you to the end.
Nothing will I fear as long as you are near.
Please be near me to the end.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path,
And a light unto my path.
You’re the light unto my path.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
I need to check this song out. Thank you CEE GEE :) I always listen to another great song by Amy Grant, El Shaddai.
❤ I have the (easy) sheet music for Ek Shaddai- the first of only 3 songs I ever sang solo and one of a handful I could play on the piano at one time.
Excellent song to bring to mind for today. thank you:)
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Oh my word. That’s an oldie but goodie song. Thank you for reminding me of it.
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Thanks for added info Cee Gee!
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First off- I sat down around 5:30 this morning to try reading and my thoughts were just WIDE awake! Shooting all over the place.. finally (and this is before I’d read a word) I said God help me focus, give me just a word right now to lead me into focusing on today’s passage, and instantly the tried and true, memorized-in-elementary-school-verse popped in: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” I sat there with in prayerfully for a second and then laughed out loud when it hit me that it was FROM PS 119 :) :) :) I can’t even… I swear I could hear God laughing too. But honestly – the whole event represents what I sum up in this chapter, reflected in the last verse:
176. I wander like a lost sheep;
seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commands.
Verse after verse is rightfully reflecting on what the author has done, that he has kept God’s words and laws and experienced the fruit of it as people and circumstances bring nothing but distress, pain, fear, anger, loneliness, confusion, anguish, disgust… It’s the strength and trust, not in law, but in the Giver of the law. He follows the structure that has been laid out for him because of his devotion to the God who created that structure. And in the end of 175 verses proclaiming his trust, he leaves it all in humility of (paraphrased) “…I still wander like a sheep, please keep seeking after me.” He nails the heart of it out in a couple of lines–there is no level of law or rule that will ultimately save us and keep us. We can follow it all to the letter and we are still wandering sheep in need of our Good Shepherd.
Until the return of Jesus, sin has an authoritative rule in this world over those who have not placed their faith in him, and while that sin can no longer rule what Christ has set free, it can and will have influence in our lives. We can claim God’s truth, live in his will and be led by the Holy Spirit -AND- be prone to wander. But, praise his most holy name, our eternity is sealed, his power has raised our souls and the darkest depths of sin can’t undo what the work of the cross has completed!! :) God is still working and there is more to be revealed but we can celebrate that even in our most “wander-full” seasons, God’s seeking us still. Loving us still. Delighting in us still. Every single morning that we are graciously gifted to open our eyes, we take our first, conscious breath already covered in his mercy, clothed in his grace and greeted by a God who is sincerely tickled with delight over our existence, and needs nothing more of us than that. I hope for all of us that we can recognize the joy he feels over each of us, personally, and that it may motivate our hearts to love his word and desire his will in all things. :)
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Appreciate your thoughts. Thank you❤️
Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Wow, I love this, Heidi
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
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I would be so lost if not for the lamp and light of the word to guide my way.
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Forever grateful that God has preserved His word down through the ages, reaching all the way to me and you…and thankful that we have the whole written word, not just the law.
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I have been battling the flu for almost a week, while waiting the birth of my grand-baby. Emily was due on Sunday, please continue to pray that she has a successful and safe home-birth.
Also asking prayer for a dear friend who has been battling cancer for the past 13 years. She had a bad fall on Saturday, and it’s been discovered that the cancer has metastasized to the brain. Her family is meeting with hospice. Her name is Laverne and her husband is Mike – he is taking it very hard.
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Praying for your requests. Have a blessed day.
SO MUCH! Hoping the flu passes quickly and you regain strength and good health to meet your NEW LITTLE BABY OHMYWORD HOW SPECIAL!! :)
Praying for Mike and Laverne and their family. Praying that while we are forced in this moment to live with the results of sin in this world (illness, pain, loss, etc), the hope and peace and light of Jesus will outshine the darkest pains and his comfort will supernaturally hold and heal what feels so broken. Praying those outside the faith (drs, nurses, hospice staff, family, friends, etc) to experience in real time the presence of the Spirit in the midst of what *should* be dark and hopeless, and respond with belief in their Savior.
Joining Heidi in that prayer, SHARON, and adding that I hope you are well in time to oversee this birth as anticipated! Prayers for Emily and babe, too! What about the other birth that was posing a possible conflict? ❤
Praying that you get over that flu so you can meet that new grandbaby. Praying that Emily can safely achieve that home birth that she so longs for. Praying for Laverne and Mike during this difficult time. May they feel God’s strength and peace.
Praying Sharon ❤️
Praying praying …
Joining in praying Sharon, for good recovery for you, for Emily and that all would go well for the safe arrival of this precious babe.
And, for your friends as well …what a heartbreaking time. I’m so sorry
I’m praying for you to recover quickly from the flu. I’m praying for your daughter to soon deliver a healthy baby. How exciting! I’m also praying for Laverne and her family during this difficult time. I pray that Hospice is able to bring relief from pain and support for all.
Praying right now
Praying for Laverne and Mike.
Thank you Amanda & Raechel- the Zoom call was fun and allowed us to have a sweet time to connect with God’s presence and one another. What a gift to be Jesus’ bride/church across the miles and in real time!
Verse 130 – The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
May I continually unfold your words Father.
Amen
Sisters, praying for all of your requests. Grateful for this sisterhood that allows us to lean on each other through the good times and the not so great. Have a beautiful day.
Maria, praying for you and your husband. My father in law had colon cancer, they caught it early, he was treated and has been cancer free and healthy for well over 15 years and going strong. I’m a day late, but hope the call went well yesterday and will pray for wisdom as you proceed. Thankful you woke up feeling lighter yesterday and that the prayers are carrying you and encouraging. I know the Psalms will be a great encouragement as you walk through this time. Praying. ❤️
“Until then? We wait, obey, pray, suffer, trust, and hope— just like the saints of old. What anchors us as we wait amid life’s billowing waves? The promises and truths found in God’s Word-exactly what secured long-ago believers.”
Father we thank you for your Word. We thank you because it, we find your truths and promises. And it is the laws that point us to the Cross. Thank you for giving us this “manual” of how to live a life that pleases you, a life that looks forward to the promise of a Savior. Now as we wait on the other side of the Cross for your Son’s return, we continue to put our hopes in you and the return of the Prince of Peace. Father thank you for your love, mercy, compassion and grace. Because to have the certainty of your Son’s return, is all of those things, especially in the chaotic world today. Come, Lord Jesus! But in the meantime, thank you for walking this life with us. Amen.
Amen, Maria! ❤
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Amen ❤️
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May His word truly be our delight!
I apparently got ahead yesterday, I had read the whole of 119!
I LOVE what Josh pointed out today!! The reminder of the importance of the law! I had just asked in class that who does love reading Numbers, Leviticus, Deuteronomy? Most “normal” Christian rarely study them with eager joy! Anticipation?! No, those are often the once read through, one and done books. But they matter. They mattered then and they matter today. God gave ALL scripture for us to love and meditate on. I was using the example of how reading through the list of prodigals Tami has made for us. Kinda like the lists of names in some of the chapters of old. I find myself going faster and skimming and about to quit…then- I see “Rhonda- Michael!” And you can bet my eyes pop and my heart leaps. That name sure matters to me. And every name is relevant to someone.
The rules and regulations matter. We should read through and learn/know/meditate on the whole of the word. Old Testament/New Testament. You can’t know the joy of light without being in the dark. You don’t know Joy without sorrow. You don’t feel accomplishment without the work. You don’t grow strong without feeling weak. God’s blessing are so wonderful. I do wake with him on my mind, I do pray and praise him all day long, and I go to sleep with a song on my lips. It hasn’t always been this way of course, but the disciplines that got me here were purposeful. It took time, just like any relationship that is important to me. No, I’m not one to read any instruction Manuel, I choose to figure it out myself. That usually gets me in trouble, and leaves me clueless on all the item can do. That is like reading only the new testament. It leaves me only knowing part. I may think it is all I need to know, but I don’t even realize all that I could do with the item. It leaves me wanting, and disappointed even.
When reading through some of the law books, I recommend a pastor named Jon Courson. He is with Applegate I believe. They are older but he is so insightful and funny to go through each and every sentence and help it make sense. His website is called Searchlight to find them. He plays on my radio every morning (often while reading SRT), and has given me so much understanding over 4 years now.
Praying for all the requests.
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So many verses throughout this section today are just so encouraging to me and reiterate over and over again the hope and help that comes from obedience and holding fast to God’s Word. I need to read it, study it, know it, meditate on it, hide it in my heart,
-Your Word, O LORD is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. vs 89
-Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path vs 105
-You are my refuge and sheild; I have put my hope in your Word. vs 114
-The unfolding of your Word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. vs 130
-I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your Word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. vs147-148
-All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. vs160
-Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have they who love your law and nothing can make me stumble. vs 164-165
Thank you Heavenly Father for the message that you have given to us thru the gift of your Word. Open my eyes to understanding and let it lead, guide and transform my heart to live as you have called me to. Help me to be anchored, steadfast and firm in the promises and truths you have given. Amen
Amen, thank you Wendy!
So good, Wendy! I think I read Psalm 119 in a fog this morning because I’m getting so much more from everyone’s post. Thanks for sharing.
So many verses copied into my notes today from Ps 119!
89, 90, 105, 116, 132, 133, 136, 142, 156, 160, 165 and all of the last segment 169-176. I initially only went through 175, and then thought, who am I trying to fool?! While I may not be straying now, the future awaits.
V 176
I have gone astray like a lost sheep;
Seek Your servant,
For I do not forget Your commandments.
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HELEN joining in prayer for your friend and his family
JENNIFER ANAPOL praying for relief from the anxiety, for breaks (even if brief) to take a deep breath & focus on Jesus
MERCY ❤️
CEE GEE❤️ my translation says blessed in those verses you shared yesterday and when I read “joyful” in yours this morning, the hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (Henry Van Dyke, 1907) came to mind. All 4 verses are rich and yep, joyful.
Verse 3:
Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
CAROL H ❤️praying our Lord will cover you and your family with His peace and comfort, knowing your mom is rejoicing.
WENDY B ❤️
MARIA B ❤️ praying as you gather information and consider decisions. And yes, praying for lives to turn to Jesus and the prodigals list to shorten. If our list is this long, the number of prodigals around the world is no doubt staggering.
ERIN ELIZABETH- praying for your mom’s healing and for your family as you walk through treatment options.
MOLLIE Thank you!
HEIDI praying for clarity needed. And the shared method, thank you!
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Yes, I love that hymn and that verse! Thanks for sharing! ❤
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. May it always be so!
Amen to the prayers I’ve read in your replies so far Shes – I echo them with you ❤️
Thank you all for your prayers for Mom. She was able to return to her facility over the weekend. RSV triggered the COPD flare up, so she is recovering a bit slowly. Thankfully they are able administer her nebulizer treatments where she lives. She sounds tired, but her spirits have been improving. I’m so blest to be a part of this community ❤️
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I understand all to well with your mom, my dad has suffered with Copd and reoccurring pneumonia over and over for years. He takes his treatments but can barely breath, yet doesn’t qualify for oxygen.It has been a long long struggle. I have been amazed how he has made it this long, it hurts to see them struggle.
So good to hear, Cat-tee. Glad to hear your mom is back where she is familiar. Praying for continued healing
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To be honest, I don’t naturally love to keep rules, and especially when I do not understand the purpose behind them. This Psalm is hard to read as it brings conviction and shame. I do not meditate day and night on the Word and it is not top of mind when I wake, or throughout the day.
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God, I do love you. You have shown your steadfast love and faithfulness to me and my family. Your works are great and I acknowledge them. My heart is prone to wander and my zeal for you and your house is so easily distracted by the things of life. I know that your law establishes proper boundaries for my life. It is intended for my good. Would you turn my zeal for studying your Word into a zeal for obeying your Word?v112 help me incline my heart to perform your statutes forever.
So good! Amen and amen!
“I don’t naturally love to keep rules” Same!! Bit by bit I learned that while I may not always understand God’s rules, they are always for my good.
Amen❤️
AMEN! Ditto
❤️ Well said!
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What a beautiful and honest prayer. Thank you for being so transparent. I echo your feelings. It is so easy to be distracted by the world.
Lord, your Word is my light.
Teach me your ways, soften my heart,
and when I wander, seek me and bring me back to You.
Amen
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Amen
V105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. V133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
Humbly asking for prayer for a post missions trip situation I have to address today – a married man on the trip privately messaging several of the women on the trip – before and after under the guise of making them feel “welcome”. Unfortunately this is an issue which was addressed a few years ago in a sit down with pastors – and now again. I need to sit down with the man and our pastor which is very uncomfortable for me, but I know it is what needs to be done for these women’s voices to be heard and to make sure there are appropriate boundaries out into place. Thank you ladies!
Praying for you Tami that you would go with the confidence of God to speak on behalf of these w.
Oh goodness! What a messy situation. Praying, Tami, for you and the pastor during this sit down, that he hears the truth and doesn’t attempt to be the victim. And praying for this man and his family as his boldness and intention may not be limited to texting, although that in itself is unacceptable.
Oh how I hate these types of sitdowns! Prayers for you to say what is needed. I run from controversy! lol. But it has to be address and will usually be such a weight off of you!
Oh goodness. How uncomfortable, difficult and yucky. Have prayed.
Praying, Tami, that this man humbly hears and repents. Praying you have peace and confidence as you confront him.
Did he not want the men on the trip to also feel welcomed? Seems like a group message to all participants would have been a great way to make sure everyone felt included….if that was his actual motive. Sorry, may be a little sassy over here this morning :P will pray that you and the pastoral team have wisdom, discernment, and loving but firm speech.
Praying for this situation to be dealt with in a right way, that God will give the wisdom needed and that this man will see how inappropriate it is.
Praying for a just and peaceful conference and resolution! Yet another reason to think before we type/text! ❤
Praying for discernment during your meeting. ❤️
Amen❤️
Psalm 119:133
(NCV) “Guide my steps as you promised;
don’t let any sin control me.”
(MSG) “Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.”
(NLT) “Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.”
(CSB) “Make my steps steady through your promise;
don’t let any sin dominate me.”
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Oh for the day when sin is eradicated not only from my heart but from the world. “Come, Lord Jesus.”
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SEARCHING – thank you for correcting my post yesterday❣️
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ERIN ELIZABETH & MARIA B – praying for God’s wisdom in treating your mom/husband’s cancer.
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CAROL H – praying the Comforter brings you and your family peace as you grieve.
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JENNIFER ANAPOL – may God flood your heart and mind with His peace today.
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CAT-TEE – how’s your mom?
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So thankful today that we can read God’s word and know his promises. His Word is true and he is faithful.
Praying today for my friend who had a serious heart attack on Sunday. He has just turned 50 and his family were present while he was given CPR. He remains sedated on a ventilator. Our church family has been praying 24 hours a day for him and are standing in the gap for him and his family. Would you pray for him today?
So scary! Praying with you that the Lord would bring healing.
Praying!
Praying!
Have prayed.
Praying for restored health for your friend, Helen
I will be praying for your friend.
Praying he improves enough to come off the ventilator soon! ❤
Praying
Praying for his strong recovery and his peace.
Verses 99 – 100 remind me of our Proverbs study – God’s word is our path to wisdom. Offering more insight than the teachers and more understanding than the elders. It’s also our path to flourishing as following it will keep our feet from the evil path.
Father, thank You for the gift of Your priceless word! Give us a love and hunger for it and help us trust and obey it! Amen.
Amen! Amen!
Amen. Hunger is a good word❤️
Amen
Amen! ❤
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
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