Psalm 119:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 119:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Verse 2Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart,
Verse 3who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways.
Verse 4You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
Verse 5O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Verse 6Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
Verse 7I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous ordinances.
Verse 8I will observe your statutes; do not utterly forsake me.
Devotion
Psalm 119 celebrates the greatness of God's Word in all its practicality for our lives. In almost every one of its 176 verses, it refers to the Word. Just in this passage we see references using law, decrees, ways, precepts, statutes, commandments and ordinances. Through obedience to God's Word we see the promises of happiness (or blessing), steadfastness, true praise and the hope of not being forsaken. And this is just in the first of the 22 stanzas of the Psalm!
The Bible deserves to be read, studied, memorized, obeyed and celebrated in our lives. The Apostle Paul wrote to his protege, Timothy, All Scripture is inspired by God and useful (profitable¯ in the RSV). That means we always get more out of it than we put in. What a great storehouse of blessing is found in God's Word!
Prayer
Almighty God, thank You for the vast resource Your Word is for our lives! Amen