Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-10 (vv145-160)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Qoph – The truth of God’s Word­

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
  I will keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
  that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
  I hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
  that I may meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
  O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
  they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O Lord,
  and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
  that you have founded them forever.

Resh – Love for God’s Word­

153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
  for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
  give me life according to your promise!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
  for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O Lord;
  give me life according to your rules.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
  but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
  because they do not keep your commands.
159 Consider how I love your precepts!
  Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 The sum of your word is truth,
  and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

 

Reflection

• “I rise before dawn” (v147). Christians throughout history have been practicing this discipline of dedicating our first word, thought, and time of each day to our God of creation.
• How would such discipline help you face the challenges and excitement of everyday life?
• The phrase “Plead my cause” in v154 is a legal term. The writer is asking God to be his advocate – essentially, he is asking God to represent him as his attorney. As followers of Christ, we have the promise of a divine attorney that represents us in God’s courtroom. His name is Jesus (ref 1 John 2:1-2).
• “All your words are true” (v160, NV). The psalmist continued the theme in v152 and affirmed again his belief that God’s Word has endured and will endure forever.
• Continue praying for the personal struggles you are facing or for someone else who is struggling. Remember, we have an advocate in heaven (1 John 2:1-2) who intercedes with God on our behalf (Romans 8:34-39).

 

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-9 (vv129-144)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Pe – The Wonder of God’s Word­

129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
  therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
  it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
  because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
  as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
  and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man’s oppression,
  that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
  and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
  because people do not keep your law.

Tsadhe – The Righteous Character of God’s Word­

137 Righteous are you, O Lord,
  and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
  and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me,
  because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
  and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
  yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
  and your law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
  but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
  give me understanding that I may live.

 

Reflection

1. The testimonies of the Lord are wonderful because they illuminate the understanding of the simple. The psalmist, realizing his total ignorance of God, felt a great hunger for his word as he eagerly devoured and learned from it.
2. The psalmist claimed that God’s word is so wonderful that he wanted to obey it. The Bible can illuminate our lives, show us where we are spiritually and point us in the direction we need to go and how to live.
3. If we read the Bible and keep it and let it transform our life, we will glorify God. We will be drawn to Him and He will draw near to us.
4. When we look at the people around us ignoring God and doing things against God’s will, we feel a deep pain and agony. For they are against the word of God that we treasure and the Lord that loves us all, including these rebellious people.
5. The world may look upon God’s people as “small and despised”, but when you stand on God’s promises, you are a giant.
6. Pray for your friends and relatives, those that don’t care for God’s word, and reject God’s love. God has been extending his invitation to them, directing and loving them. Pray that they will return and repent of their rebellion and receive the Lord as their Saviour and Lord, too.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-8 (vv113-128)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Samekh – The Reverence God’s Word Inspires­

113 I hate the double-minded,
  but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
  I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
  that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
  and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
  and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
  for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
  therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
  and I am afraid of your judgments.

Ayin – The Vindication of Those Who Keep God’s Word­

121 I have done what is just and right;
  do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
  let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
  and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
  and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
  that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
  for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
  above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
  I hate every false way.

 

Reflection

1. We all experience pressure to take unnecessary risks, tell lies, cheat, steal, compromise our values and ethics and the list goes on and on. The psalmist dealt with it too. Even though he made it abundantly clear that he intended to live by God’s Word, but the pressure to compromise was strong. He prayed for the evildoers to depart from him and for God to uphold him. For he wanted to keep obeying God’s Word and not be put to shame (vv115-116).
2. We need to be focused and immersed in God’s word so that we may live our lives with meaning and bearing witnesses for the Lord.
3. God’s word has been given to us free – we can’t buy it nor sell it. And it’s way more valuable than gold or any other precious stones (v127). Though it’s priceless, it can nonetheless change all other values.
4. We are too easily influenced by the worldly value. We measure and compare by people’s income, or the price of an item. Pray and ask God to cleanse your inner being. And help you to see and treat all with Christ’s love.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-7 (vv97-112)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Mem – The Sweetness of God’s Word­

97 Oh how I love your law!
  It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
  for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
  for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged,
  for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
  in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
  for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
  sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
  therefore I hate every false way.

Nun – The Illumination God’s Word Provides­

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
  and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
  to keep your righteous rules.
107 I am severely afflicted;
  give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
  and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
  but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
  but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
  for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
  forever, to the end.

 

Reflection

1. The psalmist loved God’s law, it gave him more wisdom than his enemies, his teachers, and the elderly sages who did not have it. It had enabled him to maintain his personal purity.
2. If God’s Word is sweeter to us than worldly wisdom (v103) and if we are steadfast in following God’s word, we can also stand strong through the ups and downs of life…and bring glory to God.
3. If you google v105, you’ll get over 200,000 hits. There is a song titled after this verse and a video of musicians performing the song. There is also a book with the verse as its title. You can even buy a plaque for your wall or desk with this verse on it. What makes this verse so special?
4. It’s the truth this verse conveys that God’s Word is our light in a dark world showing us the way home. It is easy to get lost in life. We have so many decisions to make and so many distractions. How do we find our way back? By turning to God’s Word, our lamp and our light.
5. When we stand firm in God’s word and live by it (vv106-112), the truth comes alive. We become living testimonies of the power of God’s Word to illuminate darkened lives and transform people from being lost to being on a journey with God.
6. Do you consider yourself a student of God’s Word? To follow Jesus, we need to know his ways. We learn about his character, his ways, and his expectations of his followers by reading and studying God’s Word.

 

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

 

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

Psalm 119-6 (vv81-96)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Kaph – The Reliability of God’s Word­

81 My soul longs for your salvation;
  I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
  I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
  yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure?
  When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
  they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
  they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
  but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
  that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Lamedh – The Permanence of God’s Word­

89 Forever, O Lord, your word
  is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
  you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
  for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
  I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
  for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
  for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
  but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
  but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

 

Reflection

1. Ever feel like God has forgotten you? Perhaps you prayed your heart out and turned to the Bible for answers, but it seemed that God didn’t show up. This is the situation of the writer of this passage. He sank into the depths of despair.
2. His hope is still in God. He longs for the fulfillment of God’s promises. He clings to God’s Word. But, where is God? To paraphrase verses 83-84, he is praying, “God, I’m drying up. How long must I hold on? How long will it be before you help me?” Yet, in spite of severe attacks by his enemies, he had remained true to God’s ways and requested safe keeping.
3. In the second passage (vv89-96), at the point of desperation, the psalmist turns toward God in surrender and praise. He has not escaped the clutches of his despair, but he has turned toward his source of help.
4. At the depths of his despair, the psalmist was moved to proclaim the sovereignty of God that God’s Word is firmly fixed – it is settled. God’s faithfulness endures. God made everything and He is in control of everything.
5. Next time when you feel crushed down and defeated by life, turn to Psalm 119:89-96 and pray these verses to God.

 

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Psalm 119-5 (vv65-80)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Teth – Confidence in God’s Word­

65 You have dealt well with your servant,
  O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
  for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
  but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
  teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
  but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
  but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
  that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
  than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh – God’s Word as an Object of Hope­

73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
  give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
  because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
  and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
  according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
  for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
  because they have wronged me with falsehood;
  as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
  that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
  that I may not be put to shame!

 

Reflection

• Sometimes we have to experience the painful consequences of bad choices in order to better understand the joy that comes with living according to God’s Word. Like a child who gets burned by touching a hot stove after repeated warnings from a parent, we too sometimes have to experience the hurt that comes from going astray (v. 67). But, even though it may take time, once we learn the lesson we can often look back on the experience and say it was good. And we learned a lesson more valuable than money (vs. 71-72).
• What are some valuable lessons you’ve learned from decisions made in the past – good and bad decisions?
• In verses 74 and 78, the writer prays that those who honor God would turn to him (the writer) and: (1) rejoice because he has put his hope in God’s Word (2) know God’s testimonies. He seems to be asking God to let others look upon him and have hope in God because God’s word is alive and active in his life. Can others see God at work in your life?
• Do you consider yourself to be a role model for others to follow?
• Ask God to help you let his words be alive and active in your life. Help you be examples for others to follow, for others to have reasons to hope in God.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Psalm 119-4 (vv49-64)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Zayin – God’s Word as a Source of Hope­

49 Remember your word to your servant,
  in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
  that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly deride me,
  but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old,
  I take comfort, O Lord.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
  who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
  in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
  and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
  that I have kept your precepts.

Heth – Strong Commitment to God’s Word­

57 The Lord is my portion;
  I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
  be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think on my ways,
  I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
  to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
  I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
  because of your righteous rules.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
  of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
  teach me your statutes!

 

 

Reflection

• What are some of the promises found in God’s Word that give you hope, bring you comfort in difficult times and/or get you excited about living?
• As a review, take a look at the promises found in these verses: Romans 10:9 (salvation), Matthew 5:3-12 (the Beatitudes), Matthew 6:33-34 (God’s provision), John 14:1-3 (Jesus’ return for us). These are just a small sampling of the many promises that are found in God’s Word.
• Thank God for his promises to you that give you hope. Most of all, thank God for his son, Jesus, through whom you have the most wonderful promise and hope of all – peace with God.
• Is it OK to ask for God’s favor on our lives (v58)? This is essentially the same question in v17. But, here in verse 58, the psalmist straight out asked for God’s favor and His grace. But, notice the phrase, “…according to your promise.”
• How quickly do you obey God’s Word? Do you take His word as advice to be considered or as commands to be obeyed? In today’s world, advice is readily available. We can shop for the advice that sounds best to us. But, if we aren’t careful, advice – even seemingly good advice – can lead us to become entrapped in cords of wickedness (vs. 61). Remember, v45 indicates that following God’s Word brings freedom. Let’s hasten to keep His commands (vs. 60).

 

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Psalm 119-3 (vv33-48)

English Standard Version (ESV)

He – Loyal Commitment to God’s Word­

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
  and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
  and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
  for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
  and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
  and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
  that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
  for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts;
  in your righteousness give me life!

Waw – God’s Word and Salvation­

41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
  your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
  for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
  for my hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually,
  forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place,
  for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
  and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments,
  which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
  and I will meditate on your statutes.

 

Reflection

• When we find ourselves seeking selfish gain, we are to stop and incline our hearts to God’s Word (vs. 36). When we find ourselves pursuing worthless things, we are to stop and pursue God’s ways instead (vs. 37). Repentance is recognizing we’re wrong, stopping what we are doing wrong and starting to do what is right in God’s eyes. How do we know what is right in God’s eyes? His Word tells us.
• As the psalmist continued to offer his prayer, he said to God, “I will keep your law…forever…” The writer then followed with “…and I shall walk in a wide place…” This statement, in verse 45, also translates, “…and I will walk about in freedom…” (The Voice). The psalmist considered keeping God’s Word as freedom. Why?
• Disobedience, going against God’s Word, is bondage. We might think that living without the word of God gives us freedom. On the contrary, disobedience binds us with guilt, regrets, consequences of bad choices, anxieties and all kinds of problems. Living in obedience to God’s word may not prevent us from ever experiencing these things, but an obedient lifestyle offers us a spiritual freedom that living disobediently cannot provide.
• Pray and ask God to take away the bondage of your past disobedience and set you free to worship and serve him with clean hearts and minds. Thank God for the freedom you have in following God and living according to God’s ways.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Psalm 119-2 (vv17-32)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Gimel – An Appreciation of God’s Word­

17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
  that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
  wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth;
  hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
  for your rules at all times.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
  who wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me scorn and contempt,
  for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
  your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight;
  they are my counselors.

Daleth – A Prayer for Greater Understanding­

25 My soul clings to the dust;
  give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
  teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
  and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
  strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
  and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
  I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
  let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
  when you enlarge my heart!

 

Reflection

• Beginning with verse 17, Psalm 119 becomes a prayer. The psalmist asked God to enlighten him in order to understand God’s word for he found delight in and hunger for God’s Word.
• The psalmist asked that God would open his eyes to see “wondrous things” in God’s word. Paul prayed for Christians to have “the eyes of your hearts enlightened” (Eph 1:18).
• In v19, the psalmist described himself as a sojourner, a visitor passing through this world and asked God not to hide His commandments from him. In v20, he longed for God’s judgments – for His Word. Do you see yourself in this way, as someone passing through life who desperately needs the direction and counsel of God?
• Have you ever found yourself spiritually dry or disobedient to God’s Word? What did you do for spiritual revival? What role does God’s Word have in your spiritual revival?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

• Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm

 

Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Psalms+119

 

 

Reading Psalm 119

 

• This is the longest psalm in the Bible. It contains a series of eight-line meditations based on each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalm celebrates a revelation which brings delight, because each fresh word from God reveals not just information but its author.

 

• Here are some characteristics of this psalm:
  • Psalm 119 is written in the form of an acrostic poem. An acrostic is a series of lines or verses, which begin with or contain particular letters that, when taken in order, spell out a word or phrase. For example, GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense – is an example of acrostic. Acrostics are often used as tools to help with memorization.
  • It is divided into 22 stanzas of 8 verses each.
  • It uses 8 different words for God’s law. The psalm uses the full meaning of these 8 words to elaborate on The Word of God.
  • Beginning with verse 17, it is written in the form of a prayer.
• The eight different Hebrew synonyms used throughout this psalm in referring to Scripture are:
  • Law, a teaching, indicating a single command, the Books of Moses, or all of Scripture.
  • Testimonies, vivid and unmistakable witnesses to man of God’s will.
  • Way, the pattern of life required by God’s law.
  • Precepts, detailed instructions given by God as guardian of his people.
  • Statutes, binding laws engraved on a permanent record.
  • Commandments, orders or decrees given by competent authority.
  • Promise, a term often translated “word”, suggesting the trustworthiness of divine truth in any form.
  • Rules (Ordinances/Judgment), judgments made by God, containing God’s judgments concerning man’s rights and duties.

 

• Together these words form a clear picture of the Scriptures. They are God’s authoritative word, in which we can have complete confidence, and through which we learn to trust God and to live a life characterized by godliness.
• These can be taken as twenty-two brief meditations, each launched with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and easy for memorization. They speak of the love revealed in words which unveil the author-God and serve as light to guide God’s children all his/her life.
• The psalmist who wrote this longest psalm sought refuge from his persecutors and found strength by meditating on the Word of God. This psalm is largely a collection or anthology of prayers and thoughts about God’s Word. C. S. Lewis compared it to a piece of embroidery, done stitch by stitch in the quiet hours for the love of the subject and for the delight in leisurely, disciplined craftsmanship.

 

 

 

 

Psalm 119-1 (vv1-16)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Aleph – The Blessing of Obeying God’s Word­

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
  who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
  who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong,
  but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts
  to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast
  in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
  having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
  when I learn your righteous rules.
8 I will keep your statutes;
  do not utterly forsake me!

Beth – The Cleansing Power of God’s Word­

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
  By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
  let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
  that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
  teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare
  all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight
  as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
  and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
  I will not forget your word.

 

Reflection

• In the first paragraph, the psalmist rejoiced in the fact that people who obey God’s word wholeheartedly enjoy God’s blessing. The word “blessed” also translates as “happy”. Re-read verses 1-2 again substituting ‘happy’ in place of ‘blessed’. Based on these verses, how can we pursue happiness?
• God’s word is not a set of rules and regulations to keep us pure and moral. It is God’s total wisdom for creation, protection and redemption. Our only proper response is to wholeheartedly obey and follow.
• To store up God’s word in our heart (v11) is not limited to the memorization of individual verses or even whole passages. It extends to a holistic living in a person’s devotion to the Lord.
• Memorize v11 and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live the verse out in your daily life. You may memorize it by learning this children song by Steve Green. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOoeQoRHZVs

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

Subtitle of each paragraph is from www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/OT/Psalms/Psalms.htm