Love It! 30 Days of Inspiration in Psalm 119Sample

Day 1 Psalm 119:1-8 Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

Psalm 119 is set up as an acrostic format. It’s written in twenty-two stanzas of eight verses in each section. Each verse begins with a Hebrew letter and is born out of angst and frustration and holds awe and hope. It boasts of all the vital points of one who is devoted to God and following Him. It's unknown who wrote it, but most scholars say it was either Ezra or David. It’s possible that the writer kept coming back to it throughout his life, so it wasn’t written in a singular setting.

Almost every verse mentions God’s Word. Such repetition was common in the Hebrew culture. People did not have personal copies of the scriptures to read as we do, so God’s people memorized His Word and passed it along orally. The structure of this psalm allowed for easy memorization. As we know it today, the Bible proves to be a sure guide for living a pure life.

The theme: God’s Word is absolutely true and wonderful. Stay true to God and His Word, no matter how bad the world becomes. Obedience to God’s law is the only way to achieve real happiness.

The first set of verses 1-8 begins under the heading of “Aleph,” the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It symbolizes the unity and oneness of God in Jewish tradition. It can also represent the breath of God, connecting to the Holy Spirit. The word also represents beginnings and creation.

Beginning with verse 1, it infuses the word “joyful” (NLT) ,setting the tone for the entire poem, stating the key to joy is doing the will of God revealed in His Word. Other versions use the word “blessed.” When we walk in His ways and follow His directions, we are doing our best to find God. He sets the road individually for each of us and has given us His Word to guide our steps. We must remain steady and stay the course by obeying God and His Word. Don’t go off on your own; walk straight along the road He has set.

Question: Where in your life do you need a fresh start in obedience?

Prayer: God, I want to walk in your ways and follow the path you have laid out before me. Help me to obey and stay true to You and not be distracted. Thank you for marking out a plan for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.