While God is the only One worthy of praise, His Words are equally deserving of exaltation. God Himself glorifies His Word due to His righteousness (Isaiah 42:21). As God honors His Word, we must also consider whether we glorify it by living in accordance with it, or if we merely recite these Words without embodying their significance. The complete Psalm 119 specifically addresses the Word of God, asserting that outside of His Word, there exists no truth in this world. Jesus implored His Father to sanctify us through His Word, thereby affirming that the Word of God is truth (John 17:17). The compelling question is, do we permit the Word of God to sanctify us, or do we utilize it to satisfy our own desires, thereby rejecting God’s intentions?
The 176 verses of this psalm are systematically divided into twenty-two sections, corresponding to the twenty-two Hebrew letters in sequence. While the text of this psalm has been translated into various vernacular languages, it is noteworthy that the Hebrew letters are retained in all translations, rather than being substituted with English letters. This retention is due to the fact that each Hebrew letter embodies a specific meaning, which is pertinent to each section of the psalm. Consequently, they are not replaced with numbers or other alphabets.
א Aleph – Ox – Steadfastness
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart—
they do no wrong
but follow his ways. – Psalm 119:1-3 (NIV)
An ox (bullock) is distinguished by its steadfastness, dependability, and ability to labor for prolonged periods. It is also noted for its docility and obedience. Consequently, this passage from Psalms invites us to embody obedience and stability in our adherence to the path of God. While we continually express gratitude to God for His unwavering faithfulness, one must consider: Can God rely on our faithfulness? Furthermore, the ox does not heed the commands of its master out of fear of abandonment; rather, the ox is conditioned to follow its master without such apprehension.
Do we possess the ability to walk steadily upon His Word, unblemished by His law? The aforementioned three verses serve as crucial indicators for understanding our current state. While many desire to become blessed individuals, we must question whether we aspire to embody righteousness akin to God. We often adopt a holier-than-thou attitude, neglecting to acknowledge our own unworthiness. These verses act as measuring instruments, revealing that we engage in sin and do not fully follow His ways. The reason we struggle to eliminate sin from our lives stems from our lack of love for God; instead, we find ourselves enamored with the world and its sinful inclinations. Without a genuine love for God, it becomes impossible to adhere to His statutes. Many individuals exert significant effort to follow the law of God through fasting and prayer; however, if they lack love for God in their hearts, these practices are in vain. Conversely, if we love God wholeheartedly, no additional measures are necessary to align our lives with the right path.
I Consider God’s Commands
You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws. – Psalm 119:4-7 (NIV)
The Psalmist recognized the necessity of adhering to all of God’s commandments, understanding that His precepts are definitive and demand obedience. Many believers err in their assumption that God might alter His precepts in response to prayer. Only by acknowledging that His commands are immutable, established with the intent to refine and discipline us continuously, can we truly comprehend His righteous laws. Otherwise, it may appear as though we are ensnared by doubts regarding God’s integrity. Numerous believers succumb to this mindset, often finding fault with God as a means to justify their own shortcomings.
No one desires to experience shame, and when we adhere to the decrees of God, we will not be subject to shame. Paul emphasized this notion by stating that when our hearts are imbued with the love of God, we are not susceptible to shame (Romans 5:5). Conversely, believers appeal to God to protect them from the consequences of their sins, specifically shame. Initially, God concealed the shame of Adam and Eve; however, by demonstrating His love through the gift of His Son, He anticipates that we will strive for righteousness through His Son’s righteousness to avoid circumstances that bring about shame.
Do Not Forsake Me
I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me. – Psalm 119:8 (NIV)
The belief that God has abandoned us constitutes a deception perpetuated by the devil, aiming to separate us from God. When we engage in sin, a deep sense of guilt infiltrates our hearts, instilling fear towards God and His presence. In such circumstances, the adversary misleads us by asserting that God has indeed forsaken us. However, God has assured us that He will not abandon us under any circumstances (Isaiah 54:10). To adhere to this assurance, we observe that although God forsook His Son due to our transgressions, when the Son implored Him at the appointed moment, God heard His prayers and did not forsake Him; consequently, we too are not forsaken (Hebrews 5:7).
With the misconception that God has abandoned us, we are instructed to align ourselves appropriately with His decrees in every regard. The aforementioned verse illustrates the mindset of the Psalmist, transforming the unconditional love of God into a conditional one. Similarly, believers exert considerable effort to adhere to God’s commands, fearing that noncompliance may result in complete abandonment. The reality is that God does not forsake us due to our disobedience; rather, He has instituted numerous corrective measures to ensure our continued relationship with Him. When Adam and Eve transgressed, and while we were unworthy of His love, God sent His Son as a corrective measure so that none would perish.
Instead of perceiving the commands of God as conditional burdens, we ought to embrace His commands while recognizing the unconditional and extraordinary love that led Him to save us from eternal death, the consequence of our sin. The forgiveness of sin extended to every individual on this earth is a manifestation of His grace, rather than the result of human actions. Given that we have been saved by His grace through the faith that He has instilled in our hearts, let us observe His commands with dedication and love toward God (Romans 12:1).
Father God, we implore You to assist us in submitting ourselves as a living sacrifice, that in Your care, we may wholeheartedly adhere to Your commandments for eternity. Amen.
The Jordan Valley 
Reply