Reading: Psalm 119:1-8

Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways.
You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous ordinances.
I will observe your statutes; do not utterly forsake me.

Reflection

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible. A psalm about loving God’s law even though it never really says what that law is. The psalmist simply is singing about loving God’s laws.

Psalm 119 is written as an acrostic poem in the Hebrew language. There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 119 is broken up into sections with eight verses in each section. Each section of eight begins with the same letter in the Hebrew language.

Fascinating. That is the word I came up with for this Psalm. What fascinates me most is the fact that written in Hebrew, it is a lovely poem about loving God’s law. It comes to us just as beautifully written in our English language to express that same joy and beauty the Psalmist finds in God’s law.

Those who have God’s laws are blessed. We are blessed by all that God is to us. Throughout the day today, give thanks and praise to God for each small yet meaningful task that is truly a blessing.

–Amy Shuck

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we are blessed by your laws, your ways, your love, and your grace. In any language and in every prayer, may we express our praise and gratitude just as the psalmist did thousands of years ago in a joy filled, timeless manner that in any language gives you praise and honor.

Amen.