But Psalm 119 is a beautiful poem, containing some beautiful truths about the Word of God. And, even though it takes 176 verses, the Psalm doesn't exhaust how much can be said about God's Word for us and to us.
And, tragically, our English Bibles hide some of the rich imagery of Psalm 119. You see, the poem is an acrostic of the entire alphabet. Eight verses dedicated to just one letter, then on to the next. Our vocabulary finds its fulfillment in the very vernacular of our God. From A to Z, Alpha to Omega, Aleph to Taw, our language is rooted in the loving law of God. So, what follows is my attempt at bringing some justice to the aspect of God's all-encompassing Word to the poem, Psalm 119.
א
All your commands are good,Anyone who perfectly keeps them- blessed.
Ah! If only I could... I will Lord, bless me!
ב
Boys have a huge hill to climb to get to holiness,
But I am doing it by dwelling on your word day and night.
Behind every action of mine is the desire to honor and praise you.
ג
Give me life, Lord, do good to me.
Going on this path, I see only what you show me, since my home is with you.
Governors and statesmen mock me, but I find my peace and delight in you.
ד
Deal with me, Lord, when I'm down in the dust and weary with worry.
Determining my path based on your word, my heart is set on understanding.
Don't let me be bound up, for I run fast and free on the way of truth.
ה
Halt, stop, the evil within me, Lord, and turn me toward your righteous words and ways.
Here, right now, I demand you take me by the hand, instruct my head and heart in your holy decrees.
How I long, o Lord, for the fulfillment of your promise! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
ו
Words come at me from all directions, but I hold fast to yours Lord. Keep them coming!
Where obedience means freedom- that's where I will walk.
Whenever words are demanded from me, I will put forth the ones I love- yours.
ז
Zeal for your ancient words brings me comfort, even when people are zealous for wickedness.
Zap my name, you arrogant mockers, but you cannot take away my hope and promise.
Zero songs will I sing, O Lord, if my song is not your decrees, your name, your Torah.
ח
Counting on you, I am sure I will have more than enough- forever.
Consider my ways - so much different from the wicked - as I walk, guided by your face.
Continue to fill me with your love, oh Lord, as the whole earth is filled with your love.
ט
Teach me knowledge, teach me goodness, teach me service.
Tainted, tarnished, tattered: when you afflicted me, God, it pushed me to trust in you even more.
Tons of cash, tireless fame, or time in the spotlight couldn't keep me from keeping your decrees.
י
You are the maker of the earth, You are the giver of wisdom, You are the reason for hope and joy.
You love me without fail, even when others don't.
You are life-giving, life-sustaining; give me life and sustain me. You are "I am."
כ
"Keep going, keep going!" I tell myself, as I press on, tired, toward your salvation.
Kindness is a byword in the mouth of my enemies, and I'm tempted to say the same about you God...
Keep me in your Word and remind me of your love, especially in these troubling times.
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