The fifth stanza of Psalm 119 is a series of prayers in which the psalmist asks God for help in coming to know and obey His Word. These prayers reflect the heart of a learner and are useful for all disciples of Jesus as we seek to grow in our knowledge and application of Scripture. “Teach me, O LORD… Give me understanding.” The reason I should offer this prayer is that I may keep God’s word “to the end” and “with my whole heart.” “To the end” means without time limit, and “with my whole heart” means without reservation. On our own we are ignorant of God’s way and impotent to follow it. So our prayers should start with this confession, asking God to enlighten our minds and constrain our hearts (v 33-34). If we would make progress in God’s school, we also need feet that walk in the “path” of His commandments. The Hebrew word translated “path” means “the trodden way,” not a new direction. We live in an age of constant innovations, but the LORD’s way is not new or novel. Obedience to God means walking the same path pious pilgrims have walked for centuries (v 35). But this will not happen unless our hearts are inclined toward pleasing God. We have to want to walk these ancient paths. And this is a challenge because our hearts are easily divided. The psalmist knows his own heart well enough to recognize the threat of covetousness and materialism. So he prays that his heart would be inclined toward God’s Word rather than “selfish gain” (v 36). Our eyes are needed for the study of Scripture, but they are often drawn to “worthless things” instead. To advance in God’s classroom, we must fix our eyes on that which is eternal, turning away from worldly temptations (v 37). Thankfully, the LORD has promised to help His servants. Those who fear Him will know His presence, strengthened by His Word (v 38). So don’t make the mistake of dropping out of God’s school! You may fail a few tests, but God has not given up on you. He will help you abandon the “reproach” of spiritual failure. His “rules are good,” and His goodness will renew your life (v 39-40). The sixth stanza celebrates God’s “steadfast love,” which has provided “salvation” for sinners like us! (v 41). Having experienced this love personally, how can we not share it with others, even those who oppose us or have power over us? (v 42-43, 46). Our experience of God’s love will move us to obey Him. Since He loves us, we love Him, and we love to please Him. Far from restricting us, God’s law frees us to “walk in a wide place” (v 44-45). For further meditation: