Read | Psalm 119:1–24
א Aleph
How happy are those whose way is blameless,
who walk according to the Lord’s instruction!
Happy are those who keep his decrees
and seek him with all their heart.
They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.
You have commanded that your precepts
be diligently kept.
If only my ways were committed
to keeping your statutes!
Then I would not be ashamed
when I think about all your commands.
I will praise you with an upright heart
when I learn your righteous judgments.
I will keep your statutes;
never abandon me.
ב Beth
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping your word.
I have sought you with all my heart;
don’t let me wander from your commands.
I have treasured your word in my heart
so that I may not sin against you.
Lord, may you be blessed;
teach me your statutes.
With my lips I proclaim
all the judgments from your mouth.
I rejoice in the way revealed by your decrees
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
and think about your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
ג Gimel
Deal generously with your servant
so that I might live;
then I will keep your word.
Open my eyes so that I may contemplate
wondrous things from your instruction.
I am a resident alien on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
I am continually overcome
with longing for your judgments.
You rebuke the arrogant,
the ones under a curse,
who wander from your commands.
Take insult and contempt away from me,
for I have kept your decrees.
Though princes sit together speaking against me,
your servant will think about your statutes;
your decrees are my delight
and my counselors.
Click here to listen to the Scripture in ESV.
How does the psalmist view God’s word? How is that similar or different from how you typically feel toward it?
Focus
Watch this video from BibleProject (Metaphor in Biblical Poetry) explaining the genre of this book of Scripture. What is one thing you learned from the video?
Pray
Use today’s Scripture as a model for your prayer. Follow along using the prayer points below and reference the Scripture passages to inspire your own prayer today.
- Slow your thoughts down by focusing on breathing in and out slowly. Place yourself in God’s presence and thank him for his love for you.
- Reflect on what someone would be like who perfectly embodies and lives out Scripture (Psalm 119:1–4). Think about how this is true in Jesus, and praise God for giving us a savior like him.
- Name before God how you have fallen short of living into this calling and following his commandments (Psalm 119:5–8). Thank God that you have been forgiven because of what Jesus has done.
- Ask God to empower you through the Holy Spirit to live rightly and follow his word, because his Scripture is on your heart (Psalm 119:9–16).
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.