6.26 Psalm 119

Stephanie Whalen

6.26.2020

Psalm 119

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

The book of Psalms is a collection of songs and poems mostly commonly thought to have been written by David throughout his life, the longest of which—and the longest chapter of the whole Bible—is Psalm 119. In this Psalm, the overarching theme is the glory of scripture, and therefore, the glory of God. From verse to verse, it may feel unvaried in how it talks about God’s word, but only to those who haven’t studied it closely enough. I think Charles Spurgeon explained it far better than I ever could when he remarked that Psalm 119 “helps you to see the variety of Scripture… Its variety is that of a kaleidoscope: from few objects a boundless variation is produced. In the kaleidoscope you look one, and there is a strangely beautiful form. You shift the glass a very little, and another shape, equally delicate and beautiful, is before your eyes. So it is here.”

What is one key verse?

Psalm 119:114 — You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

We strive to be living our lives for God, and most of the time that means going against what everyone else in the world arounds us deems as “normal”. The world is screaming at us to live for pleasure and do whatever we want, and it can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting to hold to God’s word. We cry out to Him, and he shelters us. He gives us rest from all the chaos, and gives us peace. He protects us like a shield from the stones and arrows that the world hurls at us, and He hides us away safe and sound.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

and

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

In the craziness of the world today, especially with social distancing and isolation, it gets increasingly difficult to feel connected to God and to His body of believers. I find myself falling into survival mode. It feels like I get up, go to work every day, and try to tune out all the negativity from those around me. It’s draining in every way. But I need to constantly remember that though it can be exhausting, we can’t tune out all that’s going on out there. We’re supposed to be there for each other, and love our neighbors, and mourn with those who mourn, and not turn a blind eye to our brother and sisters in need… and most importantly, we’re supposed to find our rest and rejuvenation at every opportunity from God and His Word.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

I’ve always been convicted by Jesus’ go-to knowledge of scripture. Like, whenever someone would come at him with a question, or a conflict–BOOM–scripture. When the Pharisees tried to catch him in a trap about God’s law–BOOM–scripture.  When Satan tempted him three times in the desert–BOOMBOOMBOOM–scripture every time. Jesus ate, slept, and breathed scripture. Even in his last moment, he was quoting scripture. Psalm 119 does an excellent job to try and evoke a sense of wonder for God’s word. There’s always a deeper level to God’s word, always more to be gleaned.