The 119 Psalm is a meditation upon the words of God. To the Psalmist, that was the Law given by Moses. To Christians today, our respect for that law continues even as we acknowledge that we live under the authority of the new covenant, ratified by the blood of Jesus. Both the old and new testaments are inspired scripture, (cf. 2 Peter 1:21), and are worthy of our attention and consideration.
We should express the same attitude toward God’s word as that expressed by the Psalmist in this Psalm. We direct our attention to verses 57-64 for some observations.
“You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words” (119:57). In the phrase “I have said” we see intent, and an implied promise that we make in our determination to please God. As we declare our love for God, we recognize Jesus’ words in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” We must acknowledge that as Jesus is Lord, to gain His favor we must commit to keep His words.
“I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according
to Your word” (119:58). We are to love God with “all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). Jesus said that this commandment, coupled with the command to love your neighbor is the greatest of commandments. As it was in the old testament it is in the new. God’s promise of mercy and redemption is coupled with our devotion to God and His will.
“I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies” (119:59). We must examine ourselves to ensure that we are acceptable to God. Paul wrote that we are to “test” ourselves, with this observation “Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed your are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5). To be “in the faith” and thus avoid disqualification, we must “turn our feet” to the testimonies of God.
“I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments” (119:60). We must not delay to obey God. First, because delay endangers the soul, as our lives are but “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Second, because neglect of God’s commandments causes drifting toward apostasy (Hebrews 2:1).
“At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments” (119:62). We have reason to give thanks for God’s commands. His burden is not heavy (cf. Matthew 11:30). His commands are righteous. They give us a physical life that is full of purpose and joy, and a hope for eternity. We should be constant in expressing our thanksgiving to God for His word.
“I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep your precepts” (119:63). As we keep God’s will, we enjoy fellowship with others who do the same. This companionship is a source of our joy. “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people” (Acts 2:46-47). God’s plan for us is to use such companionship as a means of edifying (building up) one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).
“The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes” (119:64). We acknowledge the mercy of God — that which brought the extension of His grace in the form of His Son. As we do, our obvious obligated response is to seek a knowledge of His will for us. Nothing less will suffice.
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