Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

“Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your principles.” (12)

Each believer in Christ has received the Holy Spirit who was sent to be our personal, individual teacher of God’s ‘Khuqqim’ (statutes). “But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative– …he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you.” (Jn. 14:26) The Holy Spirit causes the Word to come alive in our hearts and minds.

“I have recited aloud all the laws you have given us.” (13)

There is something extraordinarily powerful about speaking God’s word. It affects our own soul in a pos- itive way and carries authority in the unseen spiritual realm. The ‘hiding of his law in our hearts’ in verse 11 gives roots to our faith while the proclamation of his word in this verse is the fruit of a faith-filled heart. “…Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Have faith in God, I assure you that you can say to this mountain, ‘may God lift you up and throw you into the sea,’ and your command will be obeyed.’” (Mrk. 11:22, 23)

“I have rejoiced in your decrees as much as in riches.” (14)

Here the psalmist reveals that the true treasure of his heart is God’s word: “Wherever your treas- ure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” (Mt. 6:21)

“I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.” (15)

The NIV translates this: “I meditate on your precepts…” Meditation is one of the stronger themes of this psalm being mentioned 7 times: (15, 23, 48, 78, 148, 97, 99) It means to ‘To commune, to muse, to contemplate, to ponder, to pray, and it implies a spirit of devotion.’ 5 Singing the word is a form of med- itation as it brings all thought and emotion into a single focus.

“I will delight in your principles and not forget your word.” (16)

Delighting in God’s law is mentioned in nine verses of Psalm 119, (16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143, 174) and indicates the writer’s heart of affection for his word. This is not an outward conformity to religious demands but reflects the New Testament condition of a renewed spirit.

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“Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word.” (17)

Mankind’s obedience to the law is first dependent upon God showing the goodness of Christ to us; this results in a heart that is willing to follow him. The New Testament reveals the ‘new way’ of being made right with God: 1. Living by faith in Christ- “For Christ has accomplished the whole purpose of the law. All who be- lieve in him are made right with God.” (Rom.10:4) 2. Living in the Presence of the Holy Spirit- “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.” (Gal. 5:18) 3. Living in the Dynamic of God’s Love- “The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 4. Living in the Power of His Promise- “What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.” (Gal. 3:17,18

“Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law.” (18)

This verse underscores the need for God to reveal his truth in order for people to understand his ways. We are spiritually blind without this ‘opening’; No one really knows the Son except the Father, and

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