(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 119:1-40)

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter and the longest Psalm in the Bible. It is written in the form of an acrostic which is a form of writing where the first letters of each line (or verse) follow a pattern. Psalm 119 follows a sequence using the Hebrew alphabet.

The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters (Aleph to Tav) and every verse in a section of 8 verses (vv.1-8, 9-16, 17-24, etc.) begins with a letter in the Hebrew alphabet in sequential order. Thus, the 22 letters multiplied by the 8 verses per section, lead to a total of 176 verses.

The main theme of Psalm 119 is adherence and devotion to God’s Word. God’s Word guides us, forms us, sustains, and revives us. God’s Word comes in different forms, from the law of the Lord, His ordained precepts, His statutes, His commandments, etc.

Psalm 119 is about God’s Word in the hands of someone that has entrusted their life to Him, and have a relationship with Him. Thus it isn’t just about adherence, but perhaps more important devotion and worship. Devotion speaks of us following after His Word, and worship speaks to our posture or attitude towards His Word.

Our Church Daily Bible Reading Program has devoted four days to the reflection of Psalm 119, however this is simply not enough. Therefore, I encourage you to read each section of Scripture with a heart of devotion and worship because I believe the Lord will speak to you and highlight areas for you to meditate on.

Today’s Scripture is Psalm 119:1-40, and it is the section starting with the Hebrew alphabet letter of Daleth (vv.25-32) that has captured my heart today.

25 My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to Your word…28 My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word.

God’s Word to the psalmist is not only wisdom and direction, but it is what revives him when his soul cleaves to the dust. In times of grief, where the psalmist’s soul weeps because of grief, God’s Word provides strength to face another day.

The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is meditate on God’s Word, write about God’s Word, and pray. As I read, study and meditate, the Lord lifts me up, prepares me for the day, and refreshes my soul. My sleep at night is often restless, and although I get just enough sleep to refresh my tired body, I often feel a heavy weight on my soul when I get up.

Sometimes this weight seems so real that it is physically difficult to get up and face the challenges each day brings. However, as I begin my day with God’s Word, it gives me the strength that I need to not only make it through the day, but to do so with peace, joy, and hope. I now have so much faith in God’s Word that even on those difficult mornings, I have the strength to rise because I know that revival is waiting for me and it is only one Bible Scripture away.

God’s Word has never failed to revive and refresh my soul in the morning hours, and so when people ask me how I can be so devoted in reading His Word each morning, my reply is always that it isn’t just about devotion, but it is also about salvation. God’s Word saves me each morning, prepares me for each day, and is the lamp unto my feet, and the light unto my path.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Psalm 119