The Story Behind the Psalm: Psalm 119 – “A Fixed Point”
Sunday, May 21, 2023
What is the story of Psalm 119?
• The author is unknown… some believe it to be David, possibly Daniel or even Ezra.
• It is written as an acrostic poem, 22 stanzas of 8 verses each, beginning with a letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. Aleph, Beth, Gimel, Daleth… all the way to Taw.
• Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible at 176 verses!
• Almost every one of the 176 verses mentions God’s Word in some fore: “Word”, “Ways”, “Statutes”, “Decrees”, “Law”, “Precepts”, “Commands”, or “Promises”.
- What was the “Word of God” the Psalmist was referring to?
- What was the “Word of God” Jesus referenced?
- What is the “Word of God” we have?
• Every stanza mentions a problem, a distress, or a life need… and the remedy for dealing with it is Keeping the Word as Your Fixed Point!
What Happens Without a Fixed Point in Life?
- You Will Spend More Time Correcting Than Progressing.
- A Navigable Journey Quickly Seems Like an Impossible Journey.
- You Run the Risk of Missing the Mark All Together.
Psalm 119:9 (NIV)
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV)
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Truth – Purity is not achieved through passivity, but activity.
Truth – The Goal of life is a Growing Relationship with God, not Merely Recitation of His Word.
Philippians 3:4-8(NIV)
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Truth – The Word of God Must Be Our Fixed-Point, Keeping God Clearly in View.
When the troubles or turbulence of life strikes… our fixed reference point keeps us going:
When Dealing with Depression…
Psalm 119:28 (NIV)
When my soul is weary with sorrow, strengthen me according to your word.
When Life Priorities Become Confused…
Psalm 119:36-37 (NIV)
Turn my heart toward your statues and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
When Others Put You Down…
Psalm 119:51-52 (NIV)
The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O Lord, and I find comfort in them.
When Your Reputation Has Been Smeared…
Psalm 119:69 (NIV)
Thought the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.
When You Don’t See Any Long-Term Solutions…
Psalm 119:105-107 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.
When You Are Persecuted for Your Faith…
Psalm 119:161-162 (NIV)
Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.
When You Have Strayed Away and Turned from God.
Psalm 119:176 (NIV)
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.