On Reading Psalm 119

Together, my church is reading through the Bible in two years, and reading through all 150 psalms every two months. We’re in Psalm 119 for the next several days, and I’m just giddy about it. 

I used to think it was long and repetitive (which is not entirely untrue), and a bit of a slog. I had trouble relating to David’s enthusiasm about the law. I mean, Leviticus has been the death knell of my read-the-Bible-in-year plan many, many times.

There are two things that have transformed my reading of Psalm 119, and made it one of my favorite books of the Bible:

1. My pastor introduced me to this idea several years ago: 

When you see the words “law,” “statues,” “testimonies,” etc., sub in the words “the way of Jesus.” Jesus kept and fulfilled the law (Matt. 5), and when we live life his way in union with him, we are living in obedience to God. I’m telling you, reading Psalm 119 in light of this truth makes it so dynamic. 

2. Offer each verse aloud as a prayer. This is an appropriate way to approach all of the psalms, of course, but if you try #1, you basically can’t help doing #2. 

I’m always struck by how different verses give voice to the desires of my heart each time I read Psalm 119. Here’s what’s standing out to me on this month’s reading (written with #1 in mind):

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of [the way of Jesus]. (v. 18)

Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me [the way of Jesus]. (v. 29)

When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to [the way of Jesus]. (v. 59)

You are good and do good; teach me [the way of Jesus]. (v. 68)

Please take some time to sit with this psalm today. And, if you’d like, I’d love to hear which verses led you to Jesus’s feet, the One who fulfilled the law on our behalf.

Note: On my first point, I am not advocating removing/adding to the Word of God. It’s just a way to layer God’s truth from different parts of the Biblical narrative for devotional purposes. You can, of course, take it or leave it. 😆