Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:153-160

20) Great are thy tender mercies (153-160)

¹⁵³ Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. ¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. ¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. ¹⁵⁶ Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.¹⁵⁸ I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

The psalmist is afflicted and requests God to plead his case and deliver him. Even in his affliction he chose to keep God’s word. He acknowledges God’s tender mercies, ability to quicken him, and protect him. He grieves over the transgressors because they refused to keep God’s word. The psalmist tells of his love for God’s word.

He understands that, God’s word is true and endureth forever.

When we are afflicted, God’s word provides us comfort, direction, and relief. It gives us encouragement and helps us to see the future.

Consider the book of Psalms.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:137-152

18) The word is very pure (137-144)

Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.¹³⁸ Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.¹³⁹ My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.¹⁴⁰ Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.¹⁴¹ I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. ¹⁴² Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.¹⁴⁴ The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

The psalmist acknowledges that God is righteous.

Then he gives six characteristics of God’s word. The word of God is upright, righteous, faithful, very pure, truth, and everlasting. This causes the psalmist to affirm God’s righteousness, be concerned that his enemies had forgotten God’s word, love God’s word, delight in God’s word, and a desire to understand God’s word.

As believers in Christ, it is our privilege to have all of God’s word, old and new testaments. We can know the very heart of God, if we desire.

Will we avail ourselves of that opportunity?

19) Thy commandments are truth (145-152)

¹⁴⁵ I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.¹⁴⁶ I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.¹⁴⁷ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.¹⁴⁸ Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.¹⁵⁰ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.¹⁵¹ Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. ¹⁵² Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

The psalmist cries to God that he will keep the statutes and testimonies of God. He hopes in thy word. He chose to meditate on God’s word even at night.

That causes the psalmist to request that God quicken him. He knows that the wicked are not trusting God’s word. He states the character of God’s word is truth. Then he acknowledges that the testimonies come from God.

Today, there are a lot of Christians who challenge that God wrote the Bible. They do not believe in the inspiration of God, His holiness, or His devine being.

The Bible is God’s truth handed down to men for the purpose of knowing God, the sinfulness of men, the history of Israel, salvation through Christ Jesus, and how to live the victorious Christian life. All we have to do is read and obey.

Will we choose to follow God and His word?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 13-17. We will discover practical benefits of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

17) The entrance of thy words giveth light (129-136)

¹²⁹ Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. ¹³⁰ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.¹³¹ I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.***¹³² Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.***¹³³ Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.¹³⁴ Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.¹³⁵ Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.¹³⁶ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

The psalmist describes God’s word as wonderful, light, and understanding. It causes him to long for God’s commandments.

He knew God. He asked God to give him mercy, to order his steps, to protect him from evil, teach him. He cried over those who did not keep God’s word.

How do we describe the Bible? Who have we told lately? Do we tell others about the benefits found in God’s word?

No one will know, unless we tell them.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 13-17. We will discover practical benefits of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

15) I hate vain thoughts (113-120)

¹¹³ I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.¹¹⁴ Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.¹¹⁵ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.¹¹⁶ Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.¹¹⁷ Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.¹¹⁸ Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.¹¹⁹ Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.¹²⁰ My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

The psalmist hates vain things. As we think about our lives, can we make that statement? This world has an allure for each of us that distracts us from God and His word.

Then the psalmist says he loves the word of God. When we do, we will find the benefits the psalmist found.

God becomes our hiding place and shield, He upholds us, gives us life, hope, safety, and protection.

The psalmist concludes with a reverent fear of God.

In this section we see an all knowing, ever present, and all powerful God. He becomes our hiding place. He is able to take care of all our persecutions, afflictions, wickedness, and problems. Our response is to love God and His Word.

16) I am thy servant (121-128)

¹²¹ I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. ***¹²² Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.*** ¹²³ Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. ¹²⁴ Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.¹²⁵ I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.¹²⁶ It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.¹²⁷ Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.¹²⁸ Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

The psalmist states, I am thy servant. Then he requests that God would give him understanding, that he may know God’s testimonies.

The benefits of a close walk with God are protection from oppressors, surety of thy servant for good, a desire for God’s word, mercy, being taught the word of God, understanding, love for God’s word, and wisdom to discern right and wrong.

Verse 122 is one of the verses that does not refer to God’s word.

Do we desire to be servants of God? Being a servant of God is more than just knowing about God and His word. It is action. When God gives us something to do, will we be willing to do it? Are we listening to that still small voice urging us to act?

The psalmist said, I am thy servant, are we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 13-17. We will discover practical benefits of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

*** No reference to God’s word***

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:97-136

13) How love I thy law (97-104)

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.

14) Thy word is a lamp…and a light (105-112)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.¹⁰⁶ I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. ¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.¹⁰⁸ Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.¹⁰⁹ My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.¹¹¹ Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.¹¹² I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

15) I hate vain thoughts (113-120)

¹¹³ I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.¹¹⁴ Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.¹¹⁵ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.¹¹⁶ Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.¹¹⁷ Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.¹¹⁸ Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.¹¹⁹ Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.¹²⁰ My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

16) I am thy servant (121-128)

¹²¹ I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. ***¹²² Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.*** ¹²³ Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. ¹²⁴ Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.¹²⁵ I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.¹²⁶ It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.¹²⁷ Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.¹²⁸ Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

17) The entrance of thy words giveth light (129-136)

¹²⁹ Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. ¹³⁰ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.¹³¹ I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.***¹³² Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.***¹³³ Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.¹³⁴ Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.¹³⁵ Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.¹³⁶ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

CONCLUSION

There are great number of benefits that come from God’s word. Every section had a few.

Go back and see how many you can find. Then praise God for His goodness to His children.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 13-17. We will discover practical benefits of God’s word.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

13) How love I thy law (97-104)

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.

The psalmist loves God’s law. He meditates on it all day long.

How does this benefit the psalmist? He is wiser than his enemies, he has more understanding than his teachers, he understands more than the ancients, it keeps him from evil, it teaches him, it is sweet in his mouth, and he hates the false way.

The challenge for us is to meditate on God’s word all day long. This happens as we commit scripture to memory, read and mediate on God’s word, and possibly remember scripture songs from the Bible.

14) Thy word is a lamp…and a light (105-112)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.¹⁰⁶ I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. ¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.¹⁰⁸ Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.¹⁰⁹ My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.¹¹¹ Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.¹¹² I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end.

The psalmist says that the word is a lamp unto his feet and a light unto thy path. The word was his guide. He benefitted from the light of God’s word.

What does the psalmist do with this light? He keeps the righteous judgments, he gives a free will offering with his mouth, he does not forget the law, he takes the testimonies of God and makes them his heritage, and he inclines his heart to perform God’s statutes.

When he was afflicted, he requested God to quicken him in the word and chose to follow God’s precepts.

As we read and obey God’s word, how have we been benefitted? Do the benefits of God’s word outweigh the benefits of Satan’s realm? How?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 7-12.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

11) All thy commandments are faithful (81-88)

⁸¹ My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.⁸² Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? ⁸³ For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.⁸⁴ How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? ⁸⁵ The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.⁸⁶ All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.⁸⁷They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.⁸⁸ Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

The psalmist is seeking comfort from the Lord. He finds comfort in the word of God.

Then the psalmist is persecuted wrongfully. He asks when judgment will come on those who persecute him. He continues to follow and keep the precepts of God’s word.

Each of us have been persecuted wrongfully. Rehearse in your mind your response. Does the psalmist give us other choices? Do the Scriptures help us to respond in a way that would honor and glorify God? Consider some of those ways.

12) Thy faithfulness is unto all generations (89-96)

⁸⁹ For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.⁹⁰ Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.⁹¹ They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. ⁹² Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.⁹³ I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.⁹⁴ I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts.⁹⁵ The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.⁹⁶ I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

The psalmist understood that the word of God never changes. It is forever. That is why we can place our confidence in it. God’s word explains everything we need to know. From cradle to grave and all points in between.

The psalmist realized that had the law not been his delight, he would have perished. This is true about us. Without the word of God to guide us, we too would perish. It tells us how to live life. If we need answers to questions, God’s word has the answers.

The only problem is we have to open the book and diligently read and study what it says. Then we must obey God’s commandments.

Is that our desire?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 7-12. We will see how the psalmist dealt with affliction and persecutions.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

10) Let the proud be ashamed (73-80)

⁷³ Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.⁷⁴ They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.⁷⁶ Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.⁷⁷ Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.⁷⁸ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.⁷⁹ Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.⁸⁰ Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

The psalmist is now persecuted by the proud. They dealt with him perversely. How did he react? He meditates on the precepts of God.

Previously to this verse, the psalmist learned, hoped, knew the judgments were right, prayed, found comfort and mercy, and feared God and His word.

The result, “Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.”

We do not need to be ashamed when it comes to the things of God and His word. If we will commit ourselves to the reading, studying, listening, and obeying, we will be well equipped to contend for the faith.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 7-12.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119:49-96

7) Thy statutes have been my songs (49-56)

⁴⁹ Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.⁵¹ The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.⁵² I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.⁵³ Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.⁵⁴ Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.⁵⁵ I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.⁵⁶ This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

8) The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy (57-64)

⁵⁷ Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words.⁵⁸ I intreated thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.⁵⁹ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.⁶⁰ I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.⁶¹ The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.⁶² At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.⁶³ I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

9) Teach me good judgment (65-72)

⁶⁵ Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word. ⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.⁶⁸ Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. ⁶⁹ The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.⁷⁰ Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. ⁷¹ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. ⁷² The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

10) Let the proud be ashamed (73-80)

⁷³ Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.⁷⁴ They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.⁷⁶ Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.⁷⁷ Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.⁷⁸ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.⁷⁹ Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.⁸⁰ Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

11) All thy commandments are faithful (81-88)

⁸¹ My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.⁸² Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? ⁸³ For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.⁸⁴ How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? ⁸⁵ The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.⁸⁶ All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.⁸⁷They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.⁸⁸ Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

12) Thy faithfulness is unto all generations (89-96)

⁸⁹ For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.⁹⁰ Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.⁹¹ They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. ⁹² Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.⁹³ I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.⁹⁴ I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts.⁹⁵ The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.⁹⁶ I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.

We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.

This week we will examine sections 7-12. We will see how the psalmist dealt with affliction and persecutions.

The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.

8) The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy (57-64)

⁵⁷ Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words.⁵⁸ I intreated thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.⁵⁹ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.⁶⁰ I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.⁶¹ The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.⁶² At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.⁶³ I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

The psalmist acknowledges God’s mercy on his life and the earth’s. He states that he keeps, turns to, makes haste, has not forgotten, gives thanks for, fears, and desires to be taught God’s word. What a tremendous desire!

However, the wicked robbed him. Did he quit on God or His word? No! He stated he had not forgotten thy law.

When bad things happen to us, do we seek revenge, devise our own ways of rectifying the situation, or remember what God says to do. Then do it. Love, mercy, grace come to mind.

9) Teach me good judgment (65-72)

⁶⁵ Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word. ⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.⁶⁸ Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. ⁶⁹ The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.⁷⁰ Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. ⁷¹ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. ⁷² The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

How many of us would say that it is good to be afflicted? The psalmist did. Why? So that he could learn thy statutes. The psalmist wanted God to teach him good judgment and statutes. Through the trials, he continued to believe, keep, learn, and delight in God’s word. Nothing could keep him away.

What keeps us away? Why don’t we have a desire to daily search, keep, delight in, and learn the Scriptures?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com