Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible. Within the psalm there are eight couplets, each beginning with one of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order. One could easily spend a lifetime digging and sifting through the treasures of Psalm 119, but its overarching theme is the Word of God and that the Word of God is a priority to God. Some of the main themes concerning the Bible speak of God’s authority. The justice of His commands, ordinances, precepts, statutes, and judgment is rooted in His own character. God’s meticulous laws reveal how He cares about every detail concerning His will for how His people should live in obedience. The Bible bears witness and gives testimony to what God has done and is doing, and His divine ways are contrasted with humankind’s ways. God’s Word declares the infallible permanence of Scripture and is not filled with optional suggestions for the believer. Some have questioned the inerrancy of Scripture, but even some of those who believe it is the authoritative Word of God doubt that it is fully relevant or sufficient to apply and minister to these sophisticated modern times. People, even many Christians, turn to other resources lacking in biblical truth to help meet their mental, emotional, practical, and spiritual needs.
In verses 9–16, as well as other verses, we find David declaring he will seek God with all his heart and asking God to not let him stray from His Word and His commands. He hid the Word in his heart that he might always have close access to it when he needed it for wisdom and direction, that he might not sin against God. Just as Jesus used the Scripture against the Enemy in the desert, David gave praise and glory to God, asking God to teach him His precepts that he would know how to follow and serve God faithfully, pleasing God and being blessed by Him. David recounted all the laws of God and had the testimony of referring to them when he was king, but also when he was in regular conversation with people. He used his biblical knowledge for good, and he was a fountain always sharing his knowledge with others. He rejoiced in God’s statutes as one who rejoices in accumulating wealth. He took constant pleasure in communion with God, meditating on His precepts and delighting in His decrees.
If you know God and love God, but are going through a difficult season where you cannot see Him clearly, hear Him clearly, or feel His active presence, take your search to His Word. His voice will give you hope and stability. It will guide you and help you walk uprightly down a righteous path. God will use His living water to revive you, saturating your dry bones. Meditate on God’s Word, delight in it, and hide it in your heart. God will use it to speak truth and comfort to you and keep you safe and secure.
Lord, I will open my Bible more diligently and put my hope in Your rich and unfailing Word. I will seek Your precepts, decrees, and statutes, that I may be refreshed and gain understanding, but also that I may walk in a way that honors and pleases You. I will join the psalmist in saying, “how sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (v. 103). Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Have you neglected God’s Word? Has it been your delight and passion? Since the Word of God is a top priority to God, endeavor to make it a top priority to you.