Psalms 119:17
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
Psalms 119:17: "Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word."
The psalmist asks for God’s favorable care—“Deal bountifully”—so that life may be sustained to honor and keep God’s word. “Servant” emphasizes a dependent, trusting relationship, not ownership or entitlement. The request ties divine generosity to obedience: with flourishing life, the believer can more effectively observe God’s commands. In the surrounding context, such language reflects covenant faithfulness; God’s provision enables continued reliance on and allegiance to his statutes. The verse acknowledges human limitations—without God’s favorable provision, obedience becomes arduous or unsustainable. It also echoes the ancient supplicant’s posture in prayer: petition God for daily bread, spiritual sustenance, and alignment with his will.
God’s providential care is foundational to spiritual life. The verse links clement, generous living with obedience to God’s word, implying that grace equips perseverance in faithfulness. It underscores the interdependence of God’s mercy and human response: God’s provision enables obedience, which in turn honors God and deepens relationship. Theologically, it expresses covenant faithfulness and trust in divine mercies as the soil in which righteousness grows. It also speaks to the freedom of Christian discipleship: generous grace does not diminish responsibility; it strengthens it.
When you pray, include a request for God’s provision that enables you to follow his ways. Practical steps: 1) Before tackling chores or duties, thank God for the resources you have and commit to using them to honor him. 2) If you’re struggling to obey due to financial or emotional strain, ask for grace to persevere and to steward well. 3) Consider practical acts of generosity—support a neighbor, mentor a friend, or contribute to a cause—seeing generosity as enabling further obedience. 4) Keep a simple accountability partner for prayer about provision and obedience. The aim is a life sustained by God’s bounty, which in turn fuels faithful living.
Cross-References: Philippians 4:19; Psalm 23:1; Deuteronomy 28:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Romans 12:11-12