A Study of Psalm 119: Part 1 - Obedience that Brings Blessing v.1-8

Doctrine: God requires us to keep His commands, but it is not a burden; it is a blessing!

- In order to fulfill our duty of obedience to God's law, which leads to a blessed life, we must throw ourselves on Him in complete dependence and work diligently as we study His word.

1Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
2Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
8I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!

Commentary:

David begins this Psalm with declaring that those who conform their lives to God's law will be blameless and will be blessed (v.1). Contrary to the world's opinion, following the way of the Lord and living a blameless life is actually the blessed life or truly the BEST* life! Sin, immorality and living in the freedom of making your own autonomous choices is NOT the road to the best life. This will cause the individual to struggle both spiritually and culturally as he or she clashes against the accepted and expected norm. Although it will be difficult, this best*/blessed life is specifically characterized by actions that reflect a saturation of the Law of God which will lead to blamelessness. V.2 reflects much of the first verse, but als adds the statement, "who seek him with their whole heart." Here we see that it is a complete devotion to the Lord that brings blessing to the saint. It is interesting to note the maxims that are used; words like "blameless", "whole" and "no wrong" (v.3). Things are not happening in part, but in totality. Focusing on "no wrong" in v.3, we see that this is a strong statement, but this is the result in the lives of those who seek the Lord and walk in His Law. In light of this, let us pursue knowing Him and His Law!

David switches gears in v.4 and emphasizes the divine command of God to His saints to keep His Law. Previously David has emphasized the blessing that comes with keeping Gods law. Why would we not want to do somthing that blesses us? Now he is pointing out that God requires us to keep His law. Plainly stated, God has commanded and we obey. As creator of the Universe and the only self-suffiencet, omnipotent being, God has all the right to demand obedience. But remember this is the way of being blessed. We praise Him that in His goodness and mercy He has made obedience a blessing as well!

By the time v.5 arrives, the reader could/should be overwhelmed by all the walking, keeping, seeking and doing. How can a person keep the laws, ways and testimonies of the Lord? David reveals the source of our strength: Prayer. "Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!" Here we see David crying out to God for the ability to keep His statutes. The God who has decreed that we keep His commands also will give us the strength to obey. This will be further dispalyed later on in the psalm, but it is also hinted at in v.8b.

V.6 and 7 reveal to us two results of God answering the prayer of David by energizing him to keep His commands. The first result is honor. By keeping his focus on the Word of the Lord, David knows that he will not be shamed. Those who break God's laws are shamed when it becomes public and also will be ashamed when they stand in God's presence. Thankfully the Lord has provided so that we can obey Him. The second result is praise. David will be able to praise God with an "upright heart" when he knows and obeys God's word. You cannot praise with an upright heart when you are ashamed. We will be in a proper position and have a proper heart in worship when we are walking in God's word. David closes out this section a commitment to keep God's commands and a cry for help in v.8. "Do not utterly forsake me!"

Application questions:

#1 - Are you praying to God for help since He is the source of your strength to be able to obey His commands?

#2 - When do you study His Word?

#3 - Are you studying it diligently?

#4 - What part of His law are you not obeying because you have believed the world's lie that obeying God's law is not the path to truly the BEST*/most blessed life?

* This should not be understood as the "Best" life that is defined by the prosperity movement. God has chosen to use persecution in order to display His glory in the life of His saints. The BEST/most blessed life may (possibly will) include persecution and suffering. See scripture below:

Matthew 5:10-12 "Blessed are those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

John 15:18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."

See also - 2 Cor. 4:7-18