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.
4) Make me to understand thy way (25-32)
25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: Lord, put me not to shame.32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
Do we go to God and ask Him to teach us His statutes? Is our heartfelt desire to understand God’s word? The psalmists desire is to do right and understand God’s precepts. He says he has chosen truth as opposed to evil.
5) Give me understanding (33-40)
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
Again, the psalmist wants God to teach him His statutes and give him understanding. Then he says that he will keep the law with his whole heart. Then he commits himself to follow, delight, incline his heart, turn his eyes away from evil, and long after the precepts of God.
Where does our commitment lie in our pursuit of Scripture? Are we willing to submit ourselves to God and delight in His holy word?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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