Psalm 119 in the chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. It is divided into 22 sections with each section having 8 verses. Each section begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Another striking thing about the Psalm is how nearly every verse focuses on God’s word.

Rather than going through this Psalm in consecutive days, which could be quite repetitive, we’re going to work through it Sunday by Sunday.

The Psalm begins (v1) by linking blamelessness with obedience to the law of the Lord. Following the Lord can’t be according to our own imagination but by following His Word. Blessing comes as we keep the commands that God reveals (v2-3). But God’s word of course, is not there primarily for us to keep commandments, it is there for us to seek the Lord as this verse teaches us. But we can’t separate seeking the Lord from walking in His ways.

The Psalmist understands God’s commandments are given to be kept (v4) and he seeks the Lord’s help to do this (v5). He u8nderstands that to fail to keep God’s word is a shameful thing (v6).

Obedience is not to be done with a begrudging sense of duty but from a heart of genuine praise (v7-8). Obedience and worship must always go together.