You probably are aware that Psalm 119 (all 176 verses of it) is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is unique in a couple other ways as well. First of all, it is divided into 22 eight-verse sections and the first word in each section begins with the same letter (in Hebrew, not English), running alphabetically through the entire Hebrew alphabet (If written originally in English, the first 8 verses would start with a word beginning with an A, the next 8 verses would start with a word beginning with a B, …). And, secondly, every verse has a word referring to God’s Law, such as “word”, “promise”, “rules”, “testimonies”, and so forth.
Now, it is also important to note that in this psalm, and very frequently throughout the entire Bible, the term “law” is being used in the broad sense. Thus it is not simply referring to The Ten Commandments, what God expects of us, or the light that shows our sin. In the broad sense it is referring to both Law and Gospel, or the entirety of God’s revelation of himself to us and the world. In other words, as one reads Psalm 119, it is important to keep in mind that the psalmist is talking about God’s Word, his will and his ways.
Thus it is helpful that the “Teth” section begins with the words, “You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.” (Psalm 119.65) In other words, God is good for his word, he is true. When he says our sins are forgiven, they are forgiven. When he says that he will never leave us or forsake us, we know that he will be with us always, even to the end of the age. When he says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11.25-26), we know this is the truth.
Thus the psalmist continues, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe your commandments.” (119.66) Again, the prayer is not to be able to memorize Ten Commandments (with or without Luther’s explanation), but to be able to look at people (others and myself) and the world the same way our God does. Here you might insert the most famous of all Bible passages, “God so loved the world that he gave” (John 3.16) by saying, “O Lord, teach me to love people and creation the same way you do. Make my life a living sacrifice focused upon forgiving, helping and serving those in need.”
Then comes some words that may surprise us, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” (119.67) How often do you see affliction (physical, emotional, relational) as a blessing? The suggestion here is that God can use it, and anything else, to draw us closer to him and his word. With this in mind, on those nights when sleep avoids me because of my over-active mind, I find that prayers, hymns, and memorized Bible passages calm my spirit and bring me peace.
Today I’ll glance at just two (or three) more verses. First, “You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.” (119.68) God is so good that even as we call him bad, he does not stop loving us, forgiving us, or blessing us. As the phrase goes, “God is good … all the time!” How good do you think it would be if you and I were able to handle every situation and conversation the right way! The teaching God provides for us in his word goes beyond information to transformation (which is why it is so valuable to be in his word every day).
Finally the psalmist reaches the conclusion, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statues. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” (119.71-72) Luther suggests that there are three ingredients to the making of a theologian … or, one might say, that are essential for our spiritual maturation (I won’t use the Latin phrases): God’s Word, meditation, and affliction. First we hear, read, and learn God’s word. Then we meditate upon that word, spinning it around in our minds. Finally, something comes that takes us away from the word (temptation, pain, crisis). It is through this affliction that we really come to know and experience the fullness of God’s truth … and thus be able to say, “It is good for me that I was afflicted.”
It looks like there are at least 22 days left in this month. If you are looking to get into the habit of spending a little time very day with God in his word, you might consider reading and then meditating upon one section of this psalm on every day for the rest of the month. And, by the way, please don’t work on creating your own affliction. I assure you, it will come … according to God’s great timing!