Psalm 119
We were privileged to consider Psalm 119, the climax of the book, as it is the longest of
the 150 songs. Though we do not know who the writer was (possibly David,
Daniel, or Ezra), we do know that he took great pains to pen these words, for
he used all twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet to do so. Each letter was
as- signed a section, each section given eight lines, meaning that each set of
eight lines begins with the same letter. From a literary standpoint, this psalm
is an amazing work of art.
However, it is not the style of the psalm that I admire so much but
the subject — the author’s love for God’s Word. “Oh how I love Your law! I think about it all
day long... How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey... I rejoice
in Your word like one who finds great treasure! Your law is more valuable than
millions in silver and gold” (v.72, 97, 103, 162). Why is God’s Word such a valuable
resource to us? Consider the following benefits.
Those who adhere to it will develop a life of integrity (v.1-8). They will
consistently do what is right by God and reap the blessings of obedience — true
happiness, an uncompromising faith, a clear conscience, and a good name.
Those who hide it in their hearts will endure their
battles against sin (v.9-16). “How can a young
person stay pure? By obeying Your Word... I have hidden Your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.”
Those who seek to understand its truths will gain godly
wisdom (v.17-24, 113-136,
161-176).
“I am a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands. Don’t
hide them from me! Your decrees please me; they give me wise advice.”
In God’s Word is salvation, hope, joy, peace, and comfort (v.25-88). “I lie in the
dust, completely discouraged; revive me by Your word. I weep with grief;
encourage me by Your word... Give to me Your unfailing love, the salvation that
You promised me... Remember Your promise to me, for it is my only hope. Your
promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles... I will meditate on
Your age-old laws, for they comfort me... I faint with longing for Your
salvation; but I have put my hope in Your Word.”
Those who study it will find truth for life
(v.89-112,
137-160).
“Forever, O Lord, Your word stands firm in heaven... Your laws remain true
today... Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false
way of life. Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path... Your decrees
are perfect, entirely worthy of our trust... All Your words are true; Your just
laws will stand forever.”
Daily Reflection
What other benefits did you find in Psalm 119?
Your Creator, Sustainer, and Savior has given you His words for life
and living. Do you delight in them, treasure them, and obey them, as the
psalmist did? Or do you only read them out of religious “duty,” to check off
your list of spiritual “obligations”?
Are you a man or woman of the deep well of God’s Word, not someone who
is vaguely familiar with it but one who desires to read it, study it, memorize
it, practice it, and share it?
BiAY.org | Day 193 — 172 Days to Go
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