Psalm 119 vs 1-24 - In my heart

Psalm 119 vs 1-24 - In my heart

Read: Psalm 119 vs 1-24

Have you ever been a long journey, perhaps a walk, a drive or a flight? I remember a lot of years ago, when I was in my mid twenties, I lived in Dublin and a group of us decided to head of on a trip to County Kerry to travel round what’s known as the Dingle Penninsula. It’s a beautiful part of the world, rugged, baron, and amazing views looking out to the Atlantic. But it was going to take time to get to our destination, and we were going have to stop along the way, if we were not only going to get there, but to enjoy the journey along the way.

Today we come to Psalm 119, the longest Psalm, and in fact the longest chapter in the whole of the Bible. Dublin to Dingle is 350km, beginning to end Psalm 119 is 176 verses; a long journey. However the person who was writing this Psalm took care to break up the journey for us, so that we could take our time, and enjoy the many views that come along the way in these verses. There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet and the writer has used these letters to mark out the Psalm and divide it up. Today we set off from vs 1 getting the length of vs 24. With echoes of Psalm 1, vs 1 begins by picturing the ‘blessed’ person as walking in the LORD’s ways, those whose hearts are set on knowing Him (vs 2). God has marked out this path for us in His word (vs 4). Finding the path to blessing in life is not getting it right when we have choices to make, but about getting our hearts right and choosing to obey what God has set out in His word (vs 8). How do we make sure we’re on the right road? Great wisdom speaks out from this Psalm, directed to the young, but relevant to any of us whatever our age, and wherever are along the road:

‘How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

By living according to your word.’ (vs 9)

‘Your statutes are my delight; 

They are my counsellors.’ (vs 24)