Psalm 119
Overview:
This song is an acrostic; that means that each verse of a stanza starts with the same letter of the alphabet, and each successive stanza goes to the next letter in the alphabet. So this is a very long song.
It's all about God's Law. We may think of having to follow rules and regulations as a negative, limiting our freedom. But this song refers to God's:
Ways
Deeds
Word of Truth
Name
Word, Words
Promises
Statutes
Decrees
Precepts
Law, Laws and
Commands
182 times, in its 176 verses, and names only three negative things that I can find in this whole Psalm:
(1) Delusions come to nothing. Whenever we think wrongly or have a wrong idea of what God wants us to do or live, it doesn't work out.
(2) Enemies ignore God's Word and Laws. God's enemies and our enemies as God's people deliberately ignore and discount what God has said. Even when they know about His ways, they think they know better and try to do things their own way. When we think like this, we're acting like God's enemies.
(3) I shed tears because the Law is not obeyed. When I see how people are hurting and harming themselves and others by going against what our Maker has clearly told us how to act and live, I realize that if only they would listen to learn and understand, then they wouldn't be so miserable.
I have counted 58 positive things about God's rules in this song:
(1) They give me hope.
(2) They are wonderful.
(3) They give me comfort in my suffering.
(4) When I obey, no sin cannot rule over me.
(5) They are the theme of my song.
(6) They redeem me from human oppression.
(7) I will practice to obey them.
(8) God's Statutes will be in effect forever.
(9) They teach me how to be and do good.
(10) They give me great peace.
(11) They give me good judgment.
(12) His Laws sustain me.
(13) Affliction teaches me God's decrees.
(14) They keep me from being shamed.
(15) They are precious.
(16) I memorize them to keep me from sin.
(17) They are righteous.
(18) They make me rejoice.
(19) Their promise is comfort in love.
(20) They make me to consider God's ways.
(21) God's Law gives compassion which gives life.
(22) I don't want to neglect them.
(23) They are eternal in the Heavens.
(24) They rebuke the arrogant.
(25) They are trustworthy.
(26) They preserve my life.
(27) They established the Earth, and it stands.
(28) They strengthen me.
(29) All things, all Creation, obeys & serves God.
(30) I obey the Law.
(31) Those who obey will not perish.
(32) They grant salvation.
(33) God made me & I belong to Him, I'm His property.
(34) I pant in longing to understand His ways.
(35) Earthly perfection is limited, His commandments are boundless.
(36) His Promises are thoroughly tested.
(37) They make me wiser than my enemies.
(38) Understanding them gives life.
(39) They give me more insight than my teachers.
(40) God's laws are eternal.
(41) They give me more understanding than the elders.
(42) God's hand is always ready to help.
(43) They are sweeter than honey.
(44) They bless me.
(45) They are my refuge and shield.
(46) They help me stay pure.
(47) They sustain me.
(48) I say them (recite them) out loud.
(49) I love them more than pure gold.
(50) I meditate on them.
(51) They give the light of understanding.
(52) They are my delight.
(53) They help me see.
(54) They are my counsellors.
(55) They give me understanding.
(56) I keep the Law.
(57) I'll not be disgraced, and
(58) I can answer taunts.
So no matter what I face in life, God has the answer for me in His Word, the Bible. His rules and regulations (The Law) are universal principles that apply to everyone all the time, in every culture, in every time. Even when the World happens onto His principles, even when they do not acknowledge God, they still "work," because that's how He designed things to work. How much better to study the Manufacturer's Instructions directly to get all the answers, "straight from the horse's mouth." When I can get the wider view to see the whole picture, how much easier life is, how much smoother the road I walk, and how much clearer is the way to handle whatever comes my way.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
