Psalm 119, Aleph

We studied from the book of Psalms this summer at church, Jesus’s song book. One Sunday we discussed Psalm 119.

Psalm 119 is a song about the wisdom of God which we can find in his word. It is an intricately done poem, each stanza successively highlighting one of twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet.   

The psalm tells us of the benefits of God’s wisdom, his law, his commandments. Our pastor discussed how clinging to them is like a rock climber clinging to a harness. Not to constrict him, but to keep him safe so he can climb to places he would never otherwise have gone, heights he would not ever have reached. Not constricting, but freeing, giving joy. What a wonderful picture of our relationship with God.

I want to go through this Psalm carefully and find out what new things God has to tell me there.

Verses 1-8, Aleph:

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,

    who walk according to the law of the Lord.

Blessed are those who keep his statutes

    and seek him with all their heart—

they do no wrong

    but follow his ways.

You have laid down precepts

    that are to be fully obeyed.

Oh, that my ways were steadfast

    in obeying your decrees!

Then I would not be put to shame

    when I consider all your commands.

I will praise you with an upright heart

    as I learn your righteous laws.

I will obey your decrees;

    do not utterly forsake me.

Dear Father, thank you for giving us your word to help us know you. Help me to seek you with all my heart. I want to praise you with an upright heart.