Day 145 Teach Me. Turn Me. Set Me Free. Reflections on Psalm 119

To know God’s Word is good, but to follow it to the end—that requires divine help. It requires a soft heart, a teachable spirit, and the humility to say, “Lord, I don’t know it all—but I want to know You.”

5/25/20252 min read

Teach Me. Turn Me. Set Me Free.
Psalm 119:33–48

by Torrie Slaughter

“Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight.” – Psalm 119:35

There’s something sacred about waking up on a Sunday with a heart wide open, ready for more of God. Today, we’re entering a section of Psalm 119 that feels like a conversation between a willing student and a loving, patient teacher.

It’s a soul whispering:
“Teach me. Turn me. Set me free.”

🧠 Teach Me, Lord (Verses 33–35)

“Teach me… Give me understanding… Direct me…”
The psalmist is hungry—not just for knowledge, but for transformation.
To know God’s Word is good, but to follow it to the end—that requires divine help. It requires a soft heart, a teachable spirit, and the humility to say, “Lord, I don’t know it all—but I want to know You.”

💔 Turn My Heart (Verses 36–37)

“Turn my heart… Turn my eyes…”
Let’s be real—this world is full of distractions.
The psalmist knows the pull of selfish gain, the trap of worthless things. So he asks for what we all need: a divine redirection.
God, turn us toward what matters. Guard our eyes. Align our hearts.

📜 Fulfill Your Promise (Verses 38–40)

“How I long for Your precepts…”
There’s beauty in longing for what is holy. These verses aren’t demands—they’re desires rooted in trust.
Even in fear or disgrace, the psalmist clings to God’s righteousness. Because he knows: God’s promises preserve, protect, and provide.

🔓 A Heart Set on Freedom (Verses 41–45)

“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out Your precepts.”
Freedom isn’t the absence of limits—it’s the presence of God’s truth.
When you’re rooted in His Word, you’re not tossed by opinions, pressures, or the past. You walk freely, boldly, purposefully.

This is Kingdom freedom—the kind that lifts your chin and steadies your steps.

🔊 Speaking and Meditating (Verses 46–48)

“I will speak of Your statutes before kings…”
Now the psalmist is bold. His love for God’s Word spills over into action—he’s not just reading, he’s reaching. He’s speaking.
When you meditate on God’s Word, it overflows into your speech, your decisions, your influence. Even before kings—you will not be put to shame.

💭 Reflection Question:

Which part of today’s passage is your personal prayer?
Is it “Teach me”?
“Turn me”?
“Set me free”?
Whichever it is, speak it to the Lord—and know He is listening.

🙏 Prayer:

Heavenly Father, teach us the way of Your decrees and give us understanding. Turn our hearts away from worthless things, and let Your Word preserve and strengthen us. We ask for Your unfailing love to surround us and for the freedom that comes from walking in Your truth. Let us delight in Your commands and boldly speak Your Word—because we love You and we trust You. Amen.