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. Just in the first eight verses, there are six. 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 the first six sections.
The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God. Also, starting today, each of us would begin to read through the whole Bible, Genesis through Revelation, during this year. It is easy to do. It takes between fifteen and twenty minutes daily. A little longer when you get so engrossed with the passage that more study is required.
2) Thy word have I hid mine heart (9-16)
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
God challenges us to hide His word in our hearts so we will not sin against Him. Knowing God’s word, helps us to resist the temptations of the devil. It encourages us that God is with us.
Then we are to declare God’s word to all who will listen. Then to meditate and delight ourselves in His word.
3) Thy testimonies … are my delight (17-24)
17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.
Do we keep Gods word? Do we desire for God to open our eyes to the things found in the Bible? Or is the Bible a book we bring to church and Bible study, but is seldom opened or studied? Do we meditate on the statutes of God? Is the Bible truly a delight and counselor to us?
The answers to these questions will determine our maturity in our walk with the Lord. The more “yeses”, the more maturity, and a closer walk with the Lord.
What is our choice? To honor and delight in God’s word, or deny its power in our lives?
Tomorrow, we will examine sections four and five.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
Leave a Reply