Reflections on Psalm 119

I recently read Psalm 119—the longest and (I think) one of the best psalms of the book of Psalms. Here are some reflections that I would like to share:

1) 24 times in my Bible I underlined words and phrases where the Psalmist describes the law of God (or the commandments of God, the testimonies of God, the words of God, etc.) in terms of his delight, his love, his joy, the longing of his soul, or other such hedonistic phrases (verses 14, 16, 20, 24, 35, 47, 48, 70, 77, 92, 97, 103, 111, 113, 127, 129, 131, 159, 161, 162, 163, 165, 167, and 174). Now arises the question: "Why is it that the Psalmist finds so much pleasure in following the commands of and hearing the words of the LORD?" And I would suggest that the answer lies in how much pleasure he finds in the LORD Himself (His Person, His attributes, His fellowship, etc.). Think about that for a moment...

2) Consider Psalm 119:11...

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

True love takes care not to offend, irritate, or dishonor another person. Just think about the relationship between a husband and wife. If the husband truly loves his wife and cares for her feelings, I think he will be taking strides to honor, cherish, and remember her out of the natural loving inclinations flowing from his heart.  A husband who does not truly love his wife will not have such natural tendencies, and will thus be prone to irritate, dishonor, and neglect her. So consider what true love for God looks like in light of what the Psalmist says in this verse. He takes a genuine care not to offend or dishonor ("sin against") the majesty of God. And one way that he does this is by knowing more of God (what He's like, who He is, and what He commands) through His Word ("I have stored up your word in my heart"). Do you find that you have an awareness of the feelings of God in your life and how your actions and attitude affect Him?

And let me just add something that has blessed me much with regard to how we should approach the Word of God. Psalm 119:18 says, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." I have found that reading the Bible with no real purpose other than getting through it (as part of my daily routine or Bible reading plan) tends to bore the heart; but if my approach is to "behold wondrous things" in the Scriptures, then I find more of the life and sweetness that flows out of the words of God. In other words, when I approach the reading of Scripture I am on a mission to discover great truths or great things about Jesus that will open my eyes more to the reality of the glory of Christ and the Gospel. I hope that this approach will give you a renewed desire to feast and meditate on the beautiful things found in the Word of God.

3) While reading Psalm 119 I have noticed how much the Psalmist desires and pleads for the goodness of God to be present in his life. This “goodness” could also be thought of as blessings from God, salvation from God, being favored by God, or other such things, but it basically boils down to experiencing the abundant goodness of God in your life (or, more simply stated, things go well for you in life in a good and spiritual sense). Some of the specific things that the Psalmist mentions with regard to the goodness of God include: comfort (v. 76, 82), life (v. 77, 88), deliverance from trials (v. 84), and not being put to shame (v. 80). I find this second one (having life) to be an intriguing desire. I don't think the Psalmist is simply referring to staying alive instead of dying (although that could be part of it), but rather that he wants to feel alive. He wants to have a steadfast spirit inside him and have motivation and purpose in life. I oftentimes find myself wanting to feel this way too (as opposed to feeling depressed, tired, or unmotivated), and I can rejoice to know that God delights in showing such exceeding goodness to His children and that He is glorified in doing so (see Jer. 32:40-41 and 33:9 below).

I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul. (Jer. 32:40-41, ESV)

And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it. (Jer. 33:9, ESV)