Psalm 119:1-8

(Earlier this year we posted devotional thoughts on Psalm 119 [beginning Jan. 4, 2016].  Since we have come to Psalm 119 in our Sunday blogs we are going to repeat those posts,  one stanza per Sunday.)

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem.  Each stanza contains 8 lines under the heading of one of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet, in consecutive order from first to last.  Each verse or line within the stanza begins with the letter for that stanza.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, with nearly all of the 176 verses containing a reference to Scripture.  It bears testimony to the unknown writer, that he has a deep connection to Scripture.  God’s word is his mindset at all times of the day, and particularly in the unspecified, severe trial in which he finds himself.  

This opening stanza pronounces a blessing.  A key term in the stanza is way or ways.  It seems that the Holy Spirit, before exalting the word of God, wants us to remember that it is not simply having and knowing Scripture that brings blessing.  It is obedience to the Word.  The blessing is on those who are undefiled in the way (v1), who do no iniquity as they walk in God’s ways (v3).

Notice both the singular term (way, v1) and the plural (ways, v3).  As Jesus said, there is one way, the difficult way (Matt. 7:13-14).  God’s people must be on that way, having entered at the narrow gate by faith in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ.  Then the believer must remember that every day is filled with choices concerning his ways while on the difficult way.  

God’s word gives us direction for those ways.  Thus the Psalmist prays that his ways might be so directed that he is keeping God’s word (v5).  The result of this would be that he would be …

·       Free of shame when he comes to the Word (v6).  When we read the Bible we are looking into a mirror that reveals our flaws (James 1:23-24).  When this trial is over the Psalmist wants to come to the Word and see that his ways throughout have been God’s ways.

·      Free to worship God (v7).  We are hindered in our worship when we regard or retain sin in our hearts.  God is properly praised by one whose heart “stands upright”.  

What a needed reminder as we begin this grand Psalm that richly exalts the word of God.  It is necessary but never sufficient just to know God’s word.  The blessing of God is on those who follow the Word, whose way and ways are God’s.