Psalm 119:1-88

We will be reading the longest chapter in the Bible over the next 3 days.

Actually, there are so many things one can reflect upon when reading this chapter that 3 days is not enough.  So do feel free to revisit this chapter anytime – even when it is not part of the daily bible reading schedule.

Bible Passage:   Psalm 119:1-88

There are many familiar verses today.  But as you read this chapter, you will notice one thing – this chapter is divided into sections of 8 verses each.  And each of this section has a certain theme.

I will not go through every one but pick up two sections whose verses are not so familiar to me.

Psalm 119:49-56 – Remembering the Judgments of Old

Recently in another sharing, I wrote about remembering and how it helps us in our life of faith.  But despite that reminder to myself, I find that it is so easy to forget once again as we go about our busy daily lives.

What do we remember?  What do we want to remember?

Life lessons are great teachers and reflections helps us to learn the lessons we need to know.  But only if are willing to learn from them.

The Psalmist here finds comfort in affliction because God’s Word has given him life.

54 Your statutes have been my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.
⁵⁵ I remember Your name in the night, O Lord,
And I keep Your law.
⁵⁶ This has become mine,
Because I kept Your precepts.

~ Psalm 119:54-56

The words of God were his songs.  And even though he struggles with the ungodly all around him, he remembers God’s Word and is comforted.  And despite all that has happened, he still remembers God’s name in the night.

Why do we Christians struggle needlessly through life?  Very often, it is because we do not take the time to read, study and ponder over the Word of God.

We have had this Bible Reading Plan for more than 4 years now … and reading through the previous postings, there has been a wealth of reflections and edification, despite reading certain passages many times.  But this is why the Bible is so incredible.

Solomon said in Ecclesiastes that there is nothing new under the sun. Everything we go through in life; all of its ups and downs are addressed in God’s Word.

When we read about the lives of people in the Bible and then marvel at how very often, our lives are reflected in their thoughts and actions.

So why not start being serious with the word of God today.  This is God’s love letter to us – guiding and upholding us until He comes again and takes you home to be with Him in Heaven.

Psalm 119:81-99- Wineskin in Smoke

For I have become like a wineskin in smoke,
Yet I do not forget Your statutes.

~ Psalm 119:83

When I first read this phrase, “wineskin in smoke” and wondered what was it all about.

The Psalmist here was at his darkest hour.  Some, if not all of us, can relate to how he felt.  There are times when nothing seems to go right.  Everything is crashing around us and wherever we look – it is just hopelessness.

That’s where the wineskins in smoke comes in.

When wine skins were emptied, they are hung up to dry.  But this is usually is airy, clean air.  But when it is drying in a room filled with smoke, the wineskins would become black and wrinkled.  In fact, they will be dried and shriveled – no longer of any use as it will break easily.

The Psalmist knows where to find comfort – in God’s Words.

As we stated earlier – if we take the time to read God’s words and keep them in our hearts, we will surely benefit from it.  There were many men in the Bible that suffered under severe circumstances.  But through their examples, we find comfort.

Comfort is not always found in the circumstances of life. The Bible, however, is always there.

This section of Psalm 119 begins and ends with that hope.

⁸¹ My soul faints for Your salvation,
But I hope in Your word.

⁸⁸ Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

~ Psalm 119: 81, 88

May our lives this week start and end with hope and comfort – that only comes from Jesus.