Living By the 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 the Scriptures can be applied to every circumstance of a believer’s life. We shall be examining this great Psalm stanza by stanza over the next few months.
The world measures a successful life in many superficial ways. For believers, a successful life is a faithful life lived in obedience to God’s commands. The first stanza of this great Psalm deals with the blessed state of the believer who abides by God’s word (1-8).
The blessed life is a life full of joy and peace; resting in the character, works and promises of God. To put it another way, truly happy are those that live in obedience to God’s word (1-3). They live to know God and faithfully follow Him (1-2). They choose truth over error and obedience over disobedience (3). Believers know that God has ordained the Scriptures for their benefit. God’s desire is that His people follow His word diligently (4). How wonderful it is when they look upon God’s word and not be ashamed of their lives. How sad it is when a believer harbours secret unrepentant sin, bitterness from an unreconciled relationship, or even a laziness in their walk. God’s word is a mirror that shows believers the truth about themselves (5-6).
The Psalmist ends this stanza by giving thanks to God for having been justified, and now living a righteous life following God’s holy word (7). This is turn leads to a greater commitment to follow Him more fully (7-8).