Psalm 119: A Powerful Guide for Life
October 14, 2024
Whether you have read through the Bible before or not, taking time to reading through the Bible can be extremely powerful and encouraging in your faith. God can really use it to show you something new that you may have missed before. Recently, in one of the Bible readings happening at New Life right now, we looked at Psalm 119.
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is a great chapter full of wisdom for life. It is an acrostic poem, with its 176 verses divided into 22 sections (one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet) that offers profound insights into the beauty and power of God’s Word. This whole chapter gives us valuable lessons that can transform our daily walk with God.
Lessons From Psalm 119
First and foremost, Psalm 119 teaches us the value of God’s Word. The psalmist doesn’t just casually appreciate Scripture; he is passionate about it. He describes God’s laws and precepts as more precious than gold (v. 72), sweeter than honey (v. 103), and a lamp to his feet (v. 105). This reminds us that the Bible isn’t just a book of rules, but a living guide that lights our path through all of life.
Another powerful lesson is the psalmist’s unwavering commitment to obedience to God. Throughout the entire psalm, we see a deep desire to understand and follow God’s commands. This teaches us that true wisdom comes not just from knowing God’s Word, but from applying it to our lives. As verse 11 famously states, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Memorizing and meditating on God’s word equips us to make godly choices.
Psalm 119 also reveals the transformative power of God’s Word. The psalmist repeatedly asks God to teach him, give him understanding, and open his eyes to wondrous things in the law (v. 18). This humble, teachable attitude reminds us that engaging with the Bible and God’s word is not a passive activity. It is an active process of allowing God’s truth to shape our hearts and minds.
As we read Psalm 119, we also see that we can find comfort in God’s Word at all times, especially times of trouble. The psalmist gives us a great example as he faces persecution, ridicule, and affliction, yet he consistently turns to God’s statutes for solace and strength. This encourages us to cling to God’s promises and truths found in the Bible when life gets tough, knowing that God’s Word is an anchor in the storm.
Lastly, Psalm 119 encourages us to have a love for God Himself. The psalmist’s devotion to the law is ultimately an expression of his love for the Lawgiver. As we cultivate a deep appreciation for God’s Word, we grow closer to Him, developing a more intimate relationship with Him.
