Celebrating the Word of God

One Reply to “Celebrating the Word of God”

1. Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, 8 verses for each of the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet, 176 verses in all. When I want to memorize something, I put it to music. Rhythm, rhyme and melody join together to create a song that is engraved in my mind. It works like that for many as we recall songs from our earliest days.

   The psalmist in this case uses an acrostic as his memory tool. If you know your Hebrew alphabet (no, I do not, but find it fascinating!), then know there are 8 verses for each letter, you have the framework to memorize this psalm. Why would you do that? The NIV Study Bible notes suggests the author was one who:

   1. was passionately devoted to the word of God as the word of life
   2. humbly acknowledged, nevertheless, the errant ways of his heart and life
   3. knew the pain — but also the fruits — of God’s corrective discipline
   4. had suffered much at the hands of those who arrogantly disregarded God’s word and made him the target of their hostility, ridicule and slander

   The psalm provides a vehicle to remember the importance of God’s word.

   One of the first discipleship memory songs I wrote 12 years ago was from Psalm 119:10-11. The tune is etched in my brain, “I seek you with all of my heart, don’t let me stray from your commands, I’ve hidden your word down deep in my heart, that I may not sin against you, again.” I added the word “again” not to add to the word of God, but as a reminder that my sinful nature would likely result in sinning again. It’s not a goal, it’s a confession.

   “You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees” (119:68). This is a consistent them throughout the psalm and an excellent thought to keep fresh in our minds throughout the day.

   These verses speak volumes about our need for discernment in this broken world:

   I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. It is time for you to act, Lord; your law is being broken. Psalm 119:125-126

   We need discernment, Lord, proper judgment to know when to speak up and when to remain silent. Wisdom when we are prompted to speak (or write) and motivation to keep moving forward regardless of what the world is doing around us. I pray for discernment everyday as a Christian, as a husband and father, as a neighbor and friend. Thank you Lord for speaking into my life–please help me to hear your words above the noise and distractions of this day. “Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed” (119:136).

   Thank you for your word, Lord. Each morning I am refreshed as I read through your revealing words, your constant desire to renew us.

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