Salvation is often envisioned as something that awaits at the end of the journey: a peaceful harbor after the storms of life. But the psalmist invites us to look deeper: salvation is not just an end we aim for, but a way of life forged through faithful waiting and obedience rooted in love for God's word. In verse 166 he says, "I hope in your saving work, O Lord, and I keep your commandments." Here we see that waiting is not just a matter of passive waiting, but moving and acting. Hope is not just a theological notion, but a compass that guides the steps of life every day.

In the closing section of Psalm 119 (verse 169 & 176), the psalmist shows a very human and honest inner struggle. He again pleads for God's help, as well as for teaching and understanding. A longing that has been repeated throughout the chapter: for teaching (vv. 68, 102, 108, 124) and understanding (vv. 100, 104, 125, 130, 144). They are born out of his love for God's Torah and make it his source of joy and guide in life.

Despite his seemingly godly life, the psalmist gave an evocative confession, "I am lost like a lost sheep, seek your servant" (v.176). He knew the path that God showed him, but in the midst of the opposition's pressure, he realized that he could still go astray unless God Himself sought him out, shepherded him, and restored him. This is certainly not the voice of one who is far from God, but of one who is close, but realizes that his obedience is never enough without grace.

Friends of the Bible, today we are reminded that knowing God's word and trying to obey it is not enough if it is not lived out in intimate fellowship with God. Spiritual disciplines, Bible knowledge, and service are spaces where we wait on the Lord; however, true salvation is realized when our hearts are guided, taught, and nurtured by the Great Shepherd every day. Salvation is not just an end goal, but a way of life: walking with God in humility, relying on grace, and opening our entire lives before Him.