Psalm 119.105-112
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.
Psalm 119 is always known as the longest of the Psalms. Yet there are more interesting things about this Psalm than its length. One notable thing of this Psalm is that it is an acrostic. It is in 22 sections that are 8 verses in length. Each section has a letter of the Hebrew alphabet that begins each of the 8 lines in the section. Another notable feature is that for its 176 verses it stays to the theme of God’s word. If one wanted to take 3 weeks to try out Lectio Divina, as we spoke of yesterday, Psalm 119 would give a person 22 days of 8 verse segments that all lead us into God’s Word and the love of God’s Word.
This section would be very connected to our life as church together. It would be helpful in understanding the way we profess our faith and commit to following God. So many commitments to knowing and living by God’s words. Taking an oath, confirming an oath. Asking God to teach us his laws. Remembering God’s laws. Having our heart set on keeping God’s decrees. Promises to live as people who have God’s words in their hearts and minds.
Spend some time today reading this section and reflecting on how we live as Followers of God’s laws in his grace. Let’s make this our commitment as well, that we will live with God’s word in our hearts and minds.
Song – Thy Word
Prayer
Lord God, help us to know your ways; teach us your paths. Lead us in your truth, and teach us, for you are the God of our salvation; for you we wait all day long. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.