Over the last month, I read, reread and meditated on Psalm 119. First I read the entire Psalm, which is the book’s  longest psalm and the Bible’s longest chapter, and then each day I read one of the 22 sections.  I finished the book this morning with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude.

This Psalm speaks to the truth and beauty of God’s word and encourages us to cling to His word no matter how crazy or horrible the world around us becomes.  It provides the instruction I need to deepen my faith and to live a full and authentic life. I didn’t plan it this way but the timing of this study was perfect and  laid a strong foundation for my 40-day fast.

 Psalm 119 became my comfort when my grief over my friend’s death last month unexpectedly bubbled to the surface.   As I wondered what I could do to help a relative through a difficult situation, I found  hope and guidance in my daily reading. When I allowed news events about partisan politics, hate-filled speeches, natural disasters and brutal homicides to trouble my heart, the words of Psalm 119:89-91 brought relief.  

I’ve read lots of self-help books during the course of my life, and some of them have been helpful. But the more I read and understand the Bible, the more I know it to be the best instruction book for living there is. We grow in our knowledge of God’s word not just to help ourselves  but to also lend a hand to someone else.

 These are a few of the verses from Psalms 119 that I know will continue to sustain and strengthen me. I hope they’ll do the same for you.

²⁴ Your statutes are my delight;
       they are my counselors.

  45 I will walk about in freedom,
       for I have sought out your precepts.

⁷⁶ May your unfailing love be my comfort,
       according to your promise to your servant.

If your law had not been my delight,
       I would have perished in my affliction.

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet
       and a light for my path.

 25-32 I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!
      Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?  Message Bible

114 You’re my place of quiet retreat;
      I wait for your Word to renew me. Message Bible

 

 

 

 

 

Related posts:

1. Encourage yourself
2. Loving my Blackberry Bible
3. Proverbs cured my nagging ways