Discover how Psalm 119:97-104 inspires spiritual transformation and supports a faith-based recovery journey. Learn how loving God’s Word fuels freedom and hope.
Introduction
In the journey of recovery, truth, hope, and transformation often begin with embracing something greater than ourselves. For those navigating addiction and healing, the Word of God offers not just guidance — it offers a foundation. In Psalm 119:97-104, the psalmist declares:
Psalm 119:97-104, “MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (98) Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. (99) I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. (100) I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. (101) I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. (102) I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. (103) How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (104) Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.”
In this article we will explore how Psalm 119:97-104 speaks directly to anyone on the journey of recovery — offering insight, encouragement, and a practical path to transformation through Scripture, faith and obedience.
1. Loving God’s Word: The Starting Point for Transformation
The psalmist begins with love: “O how I love thy law!” (v. 97). This is not casual appreciation — it is deep devotion. In recovery, the first step often lies not just in ceasing destructive behavior, but in cultivating a new affection: an affection for truth, for healing, for a new way of life.
When we choose to love God’s Word, we shift our heart’s orientation — from self-centredness toward surrender and reliance on God.
This love fuels our motivation: love releases us from shame and fear and replaces them with hope for what God can do.
At RU Recovery Ministries, embracing Scripture is foundational: the program invites participants to engage with the Word as part of their transformation, not just as content to study.
2. Meditation All Day: Why the Word Must Be Internalized
Verse 97 continues: “it is my meditation all the day.” Meditating on God’s Word means more than reading it—it means reflecting on it, letting it sink into our hearts, letting it apply to our lives.
In recovery, we often face triggers, cravings and old patterns. Meditation on the Word gives us an anchor in those moments.
When God’s precepts are internalized, they become part of our decision-making: “I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.” (v. 101)
The program at RU Recovery encourages journaling (e.g., the RU Recovery Journal), reflection questions, and community support so that Scripture becomes lived experience.
3. Gaining Wisdom Through Obedience (vv. 98-100)
“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies… I understand more than all my teachers… because I keep thy precepts.”
Here the psalmist links knowledge with obedience. In recovery terms, transformation is not simply learning new information — it’s living it out.
Knowledge without obedience can leave us spiritually stagnant or even discouraged. But when we walk in God’s ways, understanding and wisdom follow.
This ties directly to the mission of RU Recovery: the curriculum includes the “RU 10 Principles of faith-based recovery” and the “Fruits of the Spirit,” rooted in not only knowing but applying the Word.
Real victory in recovery happens when renewed minds lead to new behaviour — when understanding prompts action.
4. Rejecting the False Way: Freedom From Old Ways (vv. 101-104)
“I have refrained my feet from every evil way… I have not departed from thy judgments… How sweet are thy words… Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.”
Recovery necessitates turning from what held us captive. These verses show a clear pattern: understanding leads to rejection of falsehood, which leads to freedom.
In addiction, false ways may include denial, lies, self-medication, escape, isolation. Scripture calls them out and offers an alternative.
Loving the Word leads to “hating every false way” — meaning we begin to see the harmful patterns and have the desire to walk away.
RU Recovery promotes a culture of accountability, truth-telling, community — all built on the Word’s standard, not on shifting cultural norms.
The “sweetness” of God’s Word (v. 103) becomes an invitation: the more we taste it, the less we tolerate what is false.
5. Practical Application: How to Meditate, Obey and Walk in Freedom
Here are practical steps for individuals in recovery to apply the truths of Psalm 119:97-104:
• Daily Scripture Meditation
Choose a short passage (for example, one verse from Psalm 119) each day. Read slowly, ask: — What is God saying to me? — What does obedience look like here? — What false way must I reject?
• Use the RU Recovery Journal
Record what stands out, your response to it, and the practical step you’ll take. Journaling reinforces the transformation process and aligns you with the program’s holistic recovery model.
• Join A Community of Support
Recovery is not meant to be walked alone. Share insights, struggles, victories with your group. When you “hate every false way,” you don’t have to stand alone — you stand together.
• Choose One Precept to Act On
Select one commandment, one principle, one fruit of the Spirit to intentionally live out this week. Obedience is the bridge from knowing to becoming.
• Reflect on Progress and Ask for Renewal
At week’s end, look back: How have I refrained from every evil way? Where did I depart? Ask for God’s grace, renew your commitment, and move forward.
6. Why This Matters for RU Recovery Ministries and You
For RU Recovery Ministries, Scripture is not a sidebar — it’s central. The Word provides the map (the law/precepts), the power (meditation/reflection) and the context for real victory (walking the path of truth).
For participants, this path means hope: not just abstaining from addiction, but being transformed by the renewing of your mind and heart.
For communities, it means restored relationships, lives of purpose, and the testimony of God’s power in the midst of brokenness.
The message of Psalm 119 reminds us that the Word of God is sweeter than honey, that obedience brings understanding, and that rejecting the false way leads to freedom. That is the journey RU Recovery invites you into.
Conclusion
When you love God’s Word, meditate on it, obey it, and reject the false way, your life begins to reflect transformation from the inside out. At RU Recovery Ministries, this is more than theory — it’s lived reality. If you are on the journey of recovery, remember: the path is rooted in truth, anchored in community, and empowered by God’s Word. Let Psalm 119:97-104 guide you into freedom, give you understanding, and restore hope.
Questions to Consider
Q1: What does meditating on God’s Word have to do with recovery?
Meditation helps align your heart and mind with God’s truth, replacing old thought-patterns and laying a foundation for new life.
Q2: How can obedience to Scripture help me in addiction recovery?
Obedience turns knowledge into action: when you live out God’s precepts, you build resilience, change behavior and renew your mind.
Q3: What is meant by “hating every false way”?
It means recognizing what is contrary to God’s Word — false beliefs, escapism, self-destruction — and choosing instead the path of truth, life and freedom.
Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Dr. George Crabb D.O.