Definition: Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 119:67. It's a really beautiful and powerful verse about faithfulness and commitment to God. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Core Idea: This verse is saying that even when we’re facing difficulties, or are tempted to stray from the right path, we still keep to God’s word. Let's unpack it a little: “Before I was afflicted…” – Imagine you’re in a difficult situation. Maybe you’ve made a mistake, you’re struggling with something, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. “…I went astray” - This means we sometimes stumble and make mistakes. We might not always do what God wants us to do perfectly. It's about imperfection. “But now have I kept thy word?” – This is the crucial part! It’s a promise that despite those times of trouble, we still remain faithful to God’s law and guidelines. We keep to what He tells us, even when it's hard. In short: It’s about our commitment to following God’s rules and principles, no matter how challenging the situation might be. It emphasizes that faithfulness is more important than perfection. Why is this a good verse? Hopeful: It offers comfort – even when we make mistakes, God's love and guidance remain with us. Encouraging: It inspires us to live a life of obedience and trust. Rooted in God’s Character: It reflects the truth that God is perfect and trustworthy, and our loyalty to Him should be unwavering. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Psalm 119? Discuss the meaning of a specific part of the verse (like "thy word") in more detail?