Living By God’s Word (Aleph)
Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm that includes 8 verses per each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Hebrew each word of the 8 verses begins with the corresponding Hebrew letter. It is also important to note that each stanza of 8 verses deal with different issues relating to God’s word and how it can be applied to every circumstance of a believer’s life. I will be taking each of these stanzas (8 verses) individually over the next few months and it is my prayer that you will have a greater understanding of this magnificent psalm.
The first stanza (1-8) deals with the blessed state of the believer who abides by God’s word. If I asked you what does it mean for you to be a success, what would you say? The answer...to be successful in God’s eyes is to be faithful to Him. To be blessed is to obey and live by the Scriptures (1-3). He has ordained the Scriptures, they are His commands to His people so they would be holy in this world (4). Obedience to God’s commandments leads to an unashamed life in this world (6). God blesses obedience to His word )1-2) God’s blessings of peace, joy, and hope are woven in the very fabric of the believer’s life no matter how hard their circumstances may be. His blessings also include physical provision and protective care, according to His will and purposes.
In response to this blessed state believers are to give thanks to God. They come to learn more about their God as they learn about His mighty acts in His word. This is turn leads to a greater commitment to follow Him more fully (7-8).