Journey through Psalm 119 – Aleph

Today we begin our journey through Psalm 119. We begin with the first eight verses:

Aleph

119  Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    who walk in the law of the Lord!
² Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
    who seek him with their whole heart,
³ who also do no wrong,
    but walk in his ways!
⁴ You have commanded your precepts
    to be kept diligently.
⁵ Oh that my ways may be steadfast
    in keeping your statutes!
⁶ Then I shall not be put to shame,
    having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
⁷ I will praise you with an upright heart,
    when I learn your righteous rules.
⁸ I will keep your statutes;
    do not utterly forsake me!

In the opening verses of this section, we can see that happiness (blessed) comes from walking in obedience to the Word of God. The blessed ones are those whose way is blameless – who strive to live godly lives and those who seek Him with their whole heart. How do they do that? By keeping His testimonies and walking in His law.

The writer acknowledges that keeping God’s word – obedience to it – is commanded and prays that his way of life would be steadfast – firmly fixed – on keeping God’s statutes. He understands that the fruit of doing so results in good things, and not shame. When the righteous rules of God are learned, they result in praise from a heart that is inclined to Him.

As believers, who doesn’t want to be blessed? Who doesn’t want to seek the Lord with all their heart? Who doesn’t want to be obedient to Him? Who doesn’t want to praise Him and bear fruit for His glory? I would guess, if you profess faith in Christ you want to do all of these things! But how do we learn what that looks like? Through His Word. We cannot obey without knowing what it says.

Lord, thank you for your Word. Thank you for the Spirit who gives us understanding and uses your Word to teach us, discipline us, convict us, encourage us and conform us into the image of Christ. Thank you for the blessings you give us through your Scriptures. Lord, help us to not just read these words, but help us to meditate on them. Increase our hunger for your Word, teach us what we need to know in order to live lives that honor you and bring you glory. It is why you give us breath. May you be glorified in us and through us. Amen.