Psalm 119 Joy in the Journey Psalm 119

Psalm 119: “Joy in the Journey”

Psalm 119: a Song to Savour • “A chest of gold rings, not a chain of gold links” • A song praising God’s word; and a prayer to make best use of it

Psalm 119: A Labour of Love • Expansive acrostic poem • “A pattern… like embroidery… leisurely, disciplined craftsmanship” (C S Lewis)

Why study Psalm 119? • To learn how to love our God • To learn how to delight in his word • To see the link between rules and a relationship with God

However… too much for one mouthful?

Ways into Psalm 119? Try the start of the Psalms… Psalm 1 – The blessed man delighting in the law of the LORD Psalm 2 – Blessed are all who take refuge in “the Son” Psalm 119: 1 “Blessed are those way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD”

Ways into Psalm 119? From the Lord’s Prayer… “Our Father in heaven… your will be done” (Matthew 6: 9 -10) “Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!” (Psalm 119: 5)

Ways into Psalm 119? From a single verse… “Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage” (PSALM 119: 54 NKJV)

Ps 119 v 54 “Your statutes” – The word of our God “have been my songs” – makes me sing “in the house of my pilgrimage” – and gives me hope and direction

It’s Personal … the law of the LORD (v 1) … his testimonies… seek him (v 2) … his ways (v 3)… your precepts (v 4). . . your statutes (v 5, 8). . . your commandments (v 6) … your righteous rules (v 7)

“Your statutes” The Psalmist’s desire: - “keeping your statutes” (v 5) - “teach me your statutes” (v 12) - “your servant will meditate on your statutes” (v 23)

“Your statutes… my song” - Songs help us remember - Songs help us rejoice - Our song: that YHWH is Father, Lawgiver, Teacher, Saviour… to us! - A song of Amazing Grace!

Sing of the One who fulfilled the law - Jesus: God’s righteousness revealed - Perfect life and perfect redemption

Who’s listening to my song? - “him who taunts me” (v 42) - Kings (v 46) - those who fear the LORD (v 79)

A Pilgrim? “Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage” (PSALM 119: 54 NKJV) ESV – “in the house of my sojourning”

A Pilgrim “his first avowed intent - to be a pilgrim” (John Bunyan) “I urge you as sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2: 11) “These all died in faith… having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth” (Hebrews 11: 13)

Direction - Direction; destination; hope - Jesus said “Follow me” - Turning, serving, waiting (see 1 Thess 1: 9 -10) - Are you a “singing sojourner”?

Psalm 119: “Joy in the Journey”