One of my favorite portions of Scripture is Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible. Described by some as a love poem to God’s law, it is a shining example of the attitude we are to have toward His Word.
When I feel spiritually dry or uninspired to read the Bible, I usually turn to Psalm 119. I love to read it aloud, savoring the way the psalmist beautifully describes his feelings for God’s precepts. Being a poet, I suppose I am drawn to the Psalms for their descriptive imagery and beauty. Poetry aside, however, the practicality of Psalm 119 is one of the main reasons it inspires me.
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word” (v. 9).
“Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law and obey it with all my heart” (v.34).
“I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey Your word” (v.101).
Practical obedience is the key idea here. As it says in James 1:22, we must not just read the Word, but do what it says. I don’t know about you, but for me, that’s easier said than done! But when we cultivate a love for God’s Word such as the psalmist displays in Psalm 119, obeying will be more of a joy and less of a burden.
My encouragement to you is to immerse yourself in Psalm 119 and the message it brings. Try reading aloud in different translations. I love to sit by a river or in a field of wildflowers on a sunny day and read, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation around me as I join the psalmist in his praise.
Be prepared, though! If you let it, the Word of God will change your life.
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