"There is a transformation that takes place, where we are moved from striving desperately to conform to a set of rules, to becoming someone who has internalized the truth. The knowledge of God has changed us, and we no longer live by the law, but through the relationship that has developed." Kathy Spampinato

Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible, with 176 verses. Today I'd like to look at a few of them, to see what the overall message is telling us.

Psalm 119:1-3 ESV "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!"

These opening verses remind me of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5: Jesus' teaching on how people could live in blessing. Here in the Psalms, we learn that blessing will follow the practice of God's ways. But how do we become blameless and do no wrong? We're human, and have lots of limitations. We have all sinned. The clue in verse 3 is that we must "seek the Lord with our whole heart, and walk in His ways". That sounds nice, but knowing our nature, it also sounds impossible.

Verses 9-11 "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, Lord; teach me your statutes!"

Reading the Bible, God's Word, will allow us to store wisdom and understanding in our hearts. We will be taught and begin to react to life along God's ways, not our own desires.

Verses 33-37 "Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with all my heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways."

There is a secret here. There is a transformation that takes place, where we are moved from striving desperately to conform to a set of rules, to becoming someone who has internalized the truth. The knowledge of God has changed us, and we no longer live by the law, but through the relationship that has developed. Our spirit is full of life, and trust, and love. We walk in a grace that propels us away from following a set of rules, to living in the blessing of knowing the heart of God. God leads and guides, and His love transforms us. When trouble comes, we have a wisdom and a strategy to take us through.

Verses 76-77, 81 "Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word."

Verses 98, 105 "Your commandment make me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Verses 130, 132-134 "The unfolding of your word gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple... Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts."

Having a knowledge of the truth helps us to turn to God in difficult times. Our heart knows His character and turns to Him in trust. We can pour out our hearts knowing He hears us and He gives grace and a hope that redeems us, and the situation. We can confidently rely on God because He is faithful. Trust Him, and trust His word!

Verses 153-154, 165, "Look at my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law. Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise! Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble."

Verses 169- 175 "Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word! Let my plea come before you; My lips will pour forth your praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight. Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me."

Let's walk forward in the love and grace that only God provides. Bless you!