Happy Sunday!
The Psalms are the largest group of writings in the Bible. The Psalms were actually songs that were sung. The Psalms can be divided into 5 books. The 5 books mirror the five books of the Pentateuch. There is structure and consistency in all the divisions.
Psalm 1 through Psalm 41 is the first book. If you read Psalm 41:13 you will notice a benediction, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen." (King James Version)
Psalm 42 through Psalm 72 is the second book. If you read Psalm 72:19 you will notice another benediction, "And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen."(King James Version)
Psalm 73 through Psalm 89 is the third book. Psalm 89:52 says, "Blessed be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen." (King James Version)
Psalm 90 through Psalm 106 is the fourth book. Psalm 106:48 says, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord." (King James Version)
Psalm 107 through Psalm 150 is the fifth book. Psalm 150:6 says, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." (King James Version)
In Psalm 119 the focus of this lesson, consists of 176 verses. Those 176 verses can be divided into 22 sections that contain 8 verses each. I bet you are wondering, "What does all this have to do with me prioritizing the Word? I'm glad you asked. The Hebrew alphabet had 22 letters, symbolically this Psalm has the Word covered from A to Z. There are 8 verses in each of the 22 sections. 8 represents new beginnings and more than enough. This Psalm when studied, memorized, and meditated upon reveals that the Word of God is powerful enough to give you a new beginning, and powerful enough to get you where you are going!
It also reminds us that God is a God of order! He created the universe and it is orderly! The sun and the moon don't decide to take a vacation. It bothers me to hear people say, "You never know what God will do." That my friends is a LIE from the pit of hell! God tells you just what he will do and what he wants in his Word! Malachi 3:6 says, "I am the Lord, and I do not change;" (CEB) Could it be that the people who make these statements are just too lazy to study the Word and find out what God will do? I'm just saying.
Psalm 119 uses 8 terms to describe the Word of God. You will find one of these terms in almost all of the 176 verses. The terms are: Law of the Lord, Testimonies, Ways, Precepts, Statutes, Commandments, Judgments, and the Word.
The reference scriptures that Pastor Lee used; verses 129 to 136 tell us about David's Delight, his Desires, and his Dejection.
David expresses his delight in verses 129-130, "Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." (King James Version) He says his soul finds great joy and pleasure in the Word of God. He recognizes that the Word can even make the simple, someone that is not socially or culturally sophisticated understand.
David expresses his desire in verse 133, "Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." (King James Version) David understands that he needs God's assistance when making decisions! How many times do we hear tragic stories of individuals that were in the wrong place at the wrong time! We need guidance! Proverbs 3:5-6 echoes this, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (King James Version)
David expresses his dejection or his frustration in verse 136, "Streams of tears flow from my eyes because others do not follow your teachings." (God's Word Version) Andrew Wommack says, "Many people don't let the Word of God get in the way of what they believe." Jesus said the same thing, "And so you break the law of God in order to protect your man-made tradition." Mark 7:13 (Living Bible) Ouch!
Prioritizing the Word of God will result in...
Obedience by You
Guidance to You
Deliverance for You
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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