Today’s passage: Psalm 119:1-24
Helpful thoughts:
- Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible (We will take eight days to get through it).
- Each section is titled after letters of the Hebrew alphabet and each line in that section starts with the same letter as the title.
- The theme of the entire psalm is the value and blessing of God’s word.
- Aleph
- These verses set a goal for righteousness that will only be fully realized when God completes His sanctifying work in our lives.
- We know the “Then” of verse 6 and the “When” of verse 7 are future promises.
- BUT, these promises compel us to have our eyes fixed on all His commandments that we might continue to grow as we await that day (Verse 6).
- Beth
- Verse 9 could be stated, “How can I know God’s will for my life? By living according to His Word.”
- Much attention given to God’s Word corrects our thinking and shapes our conscience. When God’s Word is “hidden in our heart” or, deeply rooted in our thinking, we will WANT to live in obedience to Him.
- Gimel
- Verse 17 asks for a bountiful life and then defines what a bountiful life is, “That I may live according to Your Word.”
- Insolent is a synonym of arrogant. When we are overly self-assured, we are prone to not need outside information, preventing us from the treasure trove of God’s Word. (Verse 21)
- The psalmist argues that it is better to have God’s Word than to be freed from the pressure of others plotting against him.
Questions to consider:
- In what practical ways can we have our eyes “fixed” on the Bible? What are some ways that you have found useful to keep Scripture in the forefront of your mind? How might you be able to share these ideas with others?
- When we want to know God’s “will” what are we often asking for? What does it appear God is after in this passage MORE than informing us which car to buy, which house to live in, what college to attend, etc.? How does the Word of God inform our decisions in these other areas?
- What is the most “bountiful” life? Why is knowing God and His Word and following Him so much better than having anything this world could offer? How can this faith carry us through times of hardships and suffering?