Lord, I Have Made Thy Word My Choice

“Lord, I Have Made Thy Word My Choice” is a devotional hymn by Isaac Watts based on themes drawn especially from Psalm 119, the great psalm celebrating the Word of God. In this hymn, Watts gives voice to a believer’s deliberate and joyful commitment to Scripture as the supreme guide for faith and life. The hymn reflects the Puritan emphasis on personal piety, Scripture meditation, and obedience flowing from love for God’s truth.

The hymn centers on the act of choosing God’s Word above all other influences. This choice is not portrayed as a burden but as a source of joy, stability, and spiritual freedom. Watts presents Scripture as a treasure that shapes the heart, guards the path of life, and provides wisdom for every circumstance. By framing devotion to the Word as a conscious commitment, the hymn encourages believers to value Scripture not merely as instruction but as delight.

A strong theme in the hymn is transformation. God’s Word is shown to affect thoughts, desires, and actions. The believer seeks not only to read or hear Scripture but to hide it within the heart so that it governs daily conduct. This reflects the biblical teaching that the Word of God is living and powerful, able to shape character and preserve the believer from sin.

The hymn also emphasizes perseverance. In a world filled with competing voices and distractions, the singer affirms ongoing faithfulness to God’s truth. Scripture is presented as a steady light that does not change with circumstances. This gives comfort and confidence, reminding believers that God’s Word remains trustworthy and sufficient in every season of life.

“Lord, I Have Made Thy Word My Choice” continues to serve as a meaningful expression of commitment to Scripture in Christian worship. Its clear biblical foundation and personal tone encourage believers to treasure God’s Word, meditate on it continually, and live faithfully under its guidance, finding in it both direction and joy.