READ: Psalm 119:1-48
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Book of Psalms, and the longest
chapter in the entire Bible. It comes just two chapters after the shortest
chapter in the Bible (Psalm 117). This psalm is unlike any other psalm. As we
look over it we see headings dividing the chapter into small sections. These
headings are actually letters of the Hebrew language. In the original language
the section would start with the letter that entitled the section. This helped
young students memorize and study the contents of this psalm. It seems to be
specifically written to teach history, law and the character of God. It has
been said that Psalm 119 is not like a gold chain where each link is somehow
connected to the one coming before it and after it. Rather, it is like a bucket
of loose gold rings, unconnected to anything on either side of it. Each
section, entitled with an Hebraic alphabet, is completely unrelated to the
section before it and after it, and unrelated to any other section in the
psalm. This could, in effect then, be 26 separate devotional days or topics,
each with its own theme and relevancy.
The section from vs. 9-16 seems to be directed to a young man. However,
the advice is applicable to each of us. To live a life of purity – purity in
emotions, sexuality, speech, thought, and motivations – is a calling for every
person, no matter age or station. The
author of this psalm lays out the steps to a lifestyle of purity.
1.
Seek the Lord and obey Him.
2.
Read and memorized His Word.
3.
Speak about God’s Word and what He says.
4.
Remember the faithfulness of God through testimony.
5.
Learn and live according to the principles in the
Law.
These steps of pursuing God help keep us on the path of purity in every
area of life. When temptation arises, this plan of attack helps keep us on the
straight and narrow.
Every other line in verses 25-32 directs us back to the Law, or the
commandments of God. Regardless of the goal and purpose, the struggle or the
situation, the answer is in the Word of God. This resonates with what we read
in 2 Tim. 3:16-17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that
the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The first verse says he is lying in the dust,
or clinging to the dust. What the psalmist is saying is that it is difficult
for him not to live according to the flesh. We are made from dust, so clinging
to the dust is his way of saying the way to be freed from that struggle of
living in the flesh, is to be filled with the Word of God. What a fantastic
challenge for us, to live our lives in light of God’s Word in every situation,
especially to avoid sin and temptation.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
As you read through the passage selection, ask the
Lord if there is a specific section He wants to use to speak to you
specifically about your current situation. Reread that section. Ask Him to use
His Words, both written and rhema, to speak to your heart with encouragement
and instruction. Write down what He says and thank Him for His input in your
life.
2.
Ask the Lord what area of your life could use more
purity. Ask Him to speak to you about another passage of Scripture (or a
portion of Psalm 119) you can memorize to help you in your battle for purity.
Ask the Lord to give you a Word of encouragement to live in purity today. Write
out the passage of Scripture to memorize. Keep it with you all day and refer to
it as you memorize.
3.
In what area of life do you struggle with
temptation? Confess any sin to the Lord. Ask Him how to infuse your life with
more of His Word so you can be guarded and protected against this sin or
temptation.
