This psalm was really something, wasn’t it? I am not certain we could have done the same thing in English. Imagine 26 sections, and each phrase of each section would start with the same letter of that section. That’s how I understand this acrostic psalm was written. Genius!
Psalm 119 has been a tremendous reminder of the importance of relying on God’s word for our lives. It is the longest chapter of the Bible for a reason. It’s just that important. It is my hope that you have been revived and renewed in your devotion to God’s perfect word.
We all have stuff going on in our lives. Sometimes that stuff crowds our head and we can’t think of anything else but “that” stuff. Sometimes we want more and more stuff thinking that is what is going to take the pain away or make us happier. Sometimes our stuff gets us into trouble. Remember, our stuff doesn’t last, and we can’t take our stuff with us when we die.
So why the importance on stuff? We are yearning for revival and for an awakening in our spirit. We are misreading our desires, and when we feed our desires with stuff, we are left unsatisfied. Psalm 119 would help ground us to remember that we need to rely on God and his promises. There is no other way.
Let’s look at some of the great reminders of God’s word: your laws are perfect; they are true; they will last forever. The psalmist’s response to these laws include: I love them so much; I don’t forget them; I find joy in them; I will obey; I put my hope in them; my heart trembles;
Don’t let these reminders overwhelm you. Even the psalmist had to ask God for assistance. A couple examples, “Help me to understand so I may live,” and “Give me the discerning mind you promised.” It should be our prayer to God each day when we open the Bible that he enlighten our hearts and minds and ask for our souls to be quiet enough to listen.
I like how the psalm ends, “I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.” What do you think the psalmist means by this? Why it speaks to me is that it is easy to fall prey to distraction and the snares of the evil one. Many people who I have known over the years have indeed wandered away, led astray by the lies of the world. I pray for them. I pray that they have not forgotten the commands they once learned, and that God will find and rescue them.
Let’s pray. Father I am on my knees in reverence to you. Revive my soul to be the open vessel I want to be to be filled with you and your truth. Help me set aside all worries, struggles and distractions. May I be still and feel you today. Lift up those people who are separated from you. Use me and others to bring them back to you. Thank you that we can know you and have relationship with you. Thank you for what you are doing in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
