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.
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.
God gives us hope, comfort, and songs, through His word. The psalmist was being afflicted, but God’s word brought him through. He never wavered from remembering and keeping God’s laws and precepts.
What happens when we are afflicted? Do we go to God and His word for comfort? Do we see God’s word as a source of hope? Are we encouraged by the songs found in God’s word?
Affliction is not desirable. How we deal with it determines whether we live in the world or above it.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com