Psalm 119:1-8

Psalm 119 is by far the longest chapter in the Bible.  I have been going back and forth on how I want to handle this chapter for quite some time and have spent most of the day going back and forth but have finally come to the conclusion that I want to interrupt my chapter a day routine and spend the next several weeks in just this one Psalm.  The Psalm is and acrostic with each section starting with a sequential letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  The Psalm is one of the most complete descriptions of the power and benefits of the Word of God, so I have decided to take my time and just work through one section a day.  It is not like I have a deadline or anything so get ready for a month of Psalm 119. 

THE PRINCIPLE OF OBEDIENCE: There is a basic principle of obeying God’s Word.  That is, if we are serious about obeying God’s Word and walk in a way that is blameless before God; we will experience great blessings in our lives.  Obedience to God’s Word truly is its own reward.  The text does not say what kind of blessings will result but simply that the person who obeys God’s Word is already blessed.  Obeying God’s Word will not always bring prosperity, health or a long and secure life.  Those things may or may not happen.  However, if we do obey God’s Word, as He demands, we will be blessed no matter how difficult our circumstances might be.


THE PRACTICE OF OBEDIENCE: The Psalmist recognizes this truth and prays a prayer that should regularly fall from all of our lips: “Oh that my ways would be steadfast in keeping your statutes!”  If we want to experience these blessings we much practice that obedience in a steadfast manner.  Our hearts are so easily swayed from one extreme to another.  We must seek consistent obedience in our lives.  We must fix our hearts on following the Lord.  If we practice obedience we will praise the Lord from a pure heart and will walk in obedience to the Lord.  That truly is a blessed way to walk and will guarantee the presence of the Lord in all that we do.

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