Moving through Psalm 119 where 170 of 176 verses refer explicitly to God’s word (word, precepts, statutes, ordinances, laws,…). The eight verses of each stanza all start with the same Hebrew letter. Verses 89 – 96, the 12th stanza (beginning the second half of the psalm), start with Lamed.

It opens with a reminder of what’s permanent:

• Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.
• Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides.
• They continue this day according to Your ordinances, For all are Your servants. (89 – 91)

Note that verse 90 is the second of the six verses that don’t mention God’s word, but what’s not to love about verse 89?

“Forever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven.”

Jesus said,

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Matthew 24.35, ESV)

A permanent Word provides permanent guidance for life:

• If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
• I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.
• Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. (92 – 94)

I would do well to remind myself that God’s Word is the anchor. I take that truth for granted, but it’s clear not everyone does.

A Muslim socialist has just been elected mayor of New York City despite the fact he’s never held a real job. His guidance for life would be different from mine and may permit lying, for example. He is on record as saying his aunt was afraid to go out in her hijab in New York City after 9/11. Turns out his aunt doesn’t wear a hijab and doesn’t even live in New York City! (Peggy Noonan, October 30, 2025)

I digress. Leaders come and go. Even great cities and civilizations come and go, for example, Ephesus. But God and his Word remain.

Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119.89, NKJV)