Seven Times A Day

Photo credit: Benjamin Joyce

September 2, 2026

Praying Friends,

Ask any parent of a newborn, "What do you do seven times a day?" They might laugh and say something like, “Feed the baby, change her diaper, cuddle her.” Those are actions that happen over and over because they deeply love her.

The psalmist says, “Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws” (Psalm 119:164 NIV). Love naturally creates repeated actions. The writer’s repeated praise flowed from the same principle. He wasn't checking off a religious duty. His heart kept returning to the One he loved.

His praying would probably include morning and evening devotions, breakfast, lunch, supper, afternoon meditations, and middle-of-the-night reflections. Praising God seven times a day was and is a very good practice.

Today we have come to the next to the last section of Psalm 119. The Hebrew letter “Shin” precedes these eight verses. As you read them, notice the things that produce a heart of praise:

Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands. I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.

Praise results from a holy trembling at God’s Word. The psalmist held the Word of God in greater awe than those enemies who were seeking his ruin. The greatness of God seen in wisdom, grace, and transformation of God’s Word left him trembling in awe. The result is praise!

Praise comes from rejoicing in God’s promises. One might think great joy results from the discovery of some hidden wealth, but the writer expresses that greater joy is found in the promises of God. His promises bring security, calm, and, as the psalmist says, joy to our inner being. This opens our hearts to adore Him!

Praise results from loving God’s law. True peace comes from trusting in the certainty of God’s truth. No wonder the author talks about his love for God’s law. It is true. It is stable, and it is unchangeable. This is the reason for us to greatly exalt in Him!

Praise comes from resting in God’s law. To truly love God’s law is to trust what it says. When you trust, you can rest, knowing that the truth will always prevail. 

Sometimes it may not appear to be this way, but the reality is, God’s Word is always dependable. Trusting God will lead to worship!

Praise results from waiting for God’s salvation. Like the psalmist, we too experience the hardships of life. There are times when we don’t understand the ways of God, and we need to patiently wait on Him. For the believer, salvation will always come in one form or another. As we wait, we praise!

Praise results from obeying God’s statutes. Obedience flows from a maturing faith. The closer we get to the Lord, the more we realize that His commands are not grievous, but rather for our own good and blessing. This brings celebration!

Praise results from living in transparency before God. When we recognize and live with the consciousness that God is with us, knows us, and is a part of every aspect of our lives, we can enjoy true freedom. Therefore, we glorify Him.

May our hearts be filled with praise as we pray for the prodigals and for revival among us.

Warmly in Christ’s name,

Bryan and Rachel