Psalm 119:1-3 comments

 

Psalm 119:1 ¶  ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3  They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

 

See how these passages and verses in Psalm 119 are linked to the Hebrew alphabet. I will be breaking them down into smaller portions, though. I believe there are 8 verses per Hebrew letter in this acrostic. The acrostic may have been done to help with memorization but I’ve read conflicting accounts of its meaning so I am still contemplating and praying about it.

 

This, in verses 1 to 3, reminds me of the very first part of the very first Psalm.

 

Psalm 1:1 ¶  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

 

While the Christian is not justified by the Law but by faith in Christ this is important for us to understand, that we are called to do right. We should do right because we are His not in order to become His.

 

We are not under the Law;

 

Galatians 3:24  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

 

Our salvation is predicated upon our belief and faith.

 

John 6:28 ¶  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

 

And we are saved by grace, God’s unmerited favor toward us. And yet, we are called to good works as a result.

 

Ephesians 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9  Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

 

Christians in our modern world have all too often chosen the world’s ways, particularly in egregious self-worship, not behaving in a way that shows God’s love and the love for God in us. I have been guilty of such things myself. We shack up with a partner without being married to them, we commit adultery if only with our thoughts, we lie, cheat, steal, surrender ourselves to alcohol and drugs, even legal ones, and live our lives claiming the benefit of eternal salvation but not acting as if we actually believe anything we say we believe. It is disgraceful.

 

While this may have reflected David reflecting on the sins and errors of his youth it is easy for we older people to preach to the young. But I remember how tough being a young person can be. I understand the pressures both internal and external. You cannot change the past. What you have done is done. But you can repent on your knees before God and move forward in faith and obedience.

 

1John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

Understand that God always provides a way out of sin. It is up to us to seize that opportunity.

 

1Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

One of the worst things we can do to our lives and to the lives of others watching how we live is to justify our sin, to give it a legitimate excuse like you were unhappy, you were deceived, you deserve this or that, or some other lame excuse for your sins against God. And all sin is ultimately against God and God’s law, His standard of righteousness.

 

1John 3:4  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

 

We should deport ourselves as Christ’s ambassadors on earth, not His unruly and lawless brothers and sisters. Remembering that this is the evidence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.

 

Galatians 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

 

These can never be predatory, self-aggrandizing, exploitive, or manipulative to be genuine and something God wants. We should make every effort not to sin, even though we know we will. Do not pursue sin. It will turn on you like a wounded boar during a hunt, and rend you to pieces.

 

I encourage you to repent, confess to God, and walk in His ways from here on out. Your testimony before others and the quality of your life, your happiness, and your confidence will be markedly better for it. Recite these verses back to God after you memorize them. Let God speak to you through His word.