“Your promise preserves my life” (v. 50b)
You may already know that Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Its 176 verses are divided into 22 sections, each containing 8 verses that all begin with the same Hebrew letter. Thus, it is described as an acrostic poem. It also is a hymn psalm, written to be sung while accompanied by an instrument.
Like today, religious poetry – and song lyrics – are meant to convey the sincerity of one’s spiritual journey. Here, the psalmist is reflecting on God’s word as found in the first five books of the Bible (Torah). A variety of terms are used in reference to the written word: Your word, Your promise, Your ancient law, Your decrees, and Your precepts.
The first-person perspective in a song usually conveys deeper, authentic emotions. You help me remember. You give me hope. You comfort me. You preserve my life. You revive me. I find comfort in Your ancient words. I keep Your law. It angers me to see Your laws rejected. I obey Your precepts.
This is a worship song, used by the community of faith, to celebrate God’s unchanging character.
The psalmist is using repetition to make some key points about God. The Lord brings His word to our mind. He gives us hope. He comforts our afflictions and restores us. God is unwavering. He desires our obedience. The Lord is real to us; He is always there, day or night.
As we approach the end of Advent season, we also approach the celebration of Christ’s birth. Just as God sustains people through the written word, He now writes those words on our hearts through the Living Word, Jesus Christ. Before Jesus, all the community of faith had was God’s written promises. Now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have “God with us” – Emmanuel.
We anticipate the coming of God’s promised Messiah. We wait patiently as God performs his will through the written word, the Living Word, and the promised Comforter. We celebrate and re-enact the stories of the Bible because God’s work is not yet finished. We await our savior and the physical presence of His Spirit. We await God’s unfolding plan of redemption for His creation.
Reread today’s scripture and other sections of Psalm 119. Make it Your prayer as we patiently await God’s promise to reveal Himself.
Bryan Merrill
Bryan Merrill first attended a Nazarene church as a 3-day-old. He holds degrees from Southern Nazarene University (SNU) and Nazarene Theological Seminary. Bryan served in ministry assignments at SNU, Long Beach, Ca. New Life Church, Vallejo, Ca. First Church, Overland Park, Ks. Blue Valley Church, DeSoto, Ks. Clearview City Church, and Mid-America Nazarene University. He currently worships and teaches Sunday School at Trinity and serves with his wife of 33 months in Awana Tribe Youth Ministries. Bryan sings and performs with guitar in various venues.
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