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
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