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Psalm 119:1-8
א Aleph

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

Blessing always follows obedience. It may not be immediate. There may be a period of painful waiting. Obedience may be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. However, blessing always follows those “who walk according to the law of the LORD,” “who keep his statutes,” and who “seek him with all their heart.”

Obedience is not a matter of convenience. God does not give us His Word like a waiter hands us a menu to pick what we like and ignore what we don’t. God has put forth His “precepts that are to be fully obeyed.” Each of us will have parts of God’s instruction that are a delight for us to observe, and other parts we will struggle to follow until the day we die. Hear the psalmist’s emotion as he sighs, “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.”

Today we start a journey through Psalm 119, a psalm that focuses on the Word of God. Let’s begin by asking God to help us be obedient in all of God’s teaching, not just the instruction we find easy to follow.

Father, as I begin this psalm show me where I am coming up short. Help me be steadfast in obeying Your entire love letter. In Jesus’ name. Amen.