The longest psalm in the Bible, Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm: the first eight verses of the psalm begin with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, aleph (a); the next eight verses with the second letter, beth (b); and so on, through the twenty-two letters.  The whole psalm exalts the law of God as a rule of life; “as sanctifying the soul; as a support in trial; as imparting happiness to the mind - in its contemplation, and in obedience to it.  The psalm appears to have been intended to set forth the excellency of that law, and the happy effects of obeying it, in every variety of form, and with every variety of expression” – Albert Barnes.  So clear is the objective of the psalm, so constant is its reference to God’s Word that there are only two verses (vv. 122, 132) that do not contain some term or description of God’s Word. 

 “There are ten words by which Divine revelation is called in this psalm, and each expresses what God expects from us, and what we may expect from Him.  1. God’s law; this is enacted by Him as our Sovereign. 2. His way; this is the rule of His providence. 3. His testimonies; they are solemnly declared to the world.  4. His commandments; given with authority.  5. His precepts; not left as indifferent matters to us.  6. His word, or saying; it is the declaration of His mind.  7. His judgments; framed in infinite wisdom.  8. His righteousness; it is the rule and standard of what is right.  9. His statutes; they are always binding.  10. His truth or faithfulness; it is eternal truth, it shall endure for ever” – Matthew Henry. 

Two oft-quoted verses from this psalm – verses 9 and 11 - are full of instruction.

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?  by taking heed thereto according to Thy word” (v. 9).

Peculiar temptations assail the young on their journey of life.  Many are the dangers and snares that encompass their path.  The apostle Paul warned his young charge, Timothy, to “flee also youthful lusts” (II Tim. 2: 22).  Even when awakened by divine grace, their hearts are inclined to their old nature, to wander from God, and to gratify their fleshly lusts.  How their hearts are prone to rush into forbidden indulgences, and to fall into sin.

But there is a sure way of escape from the waves of peril.  In this psalm, the psalmist pondered: “How shall a young man cleanse his way?  How shall a young man make the course of his life pure and upright?  How shall he keep himself from being defiled by the ungodly influences of the world?  What must he do to gain the victory over every temptation? As he considered this important question (v.9a), he was ready with the answer (9b):  Let him take “heed thereto according to Thy Word”.  Thus did young Daniel and his godly companions - they cleansed their way and kept themselves pure from the defilement of a heathen atmosphere.  Thus did the faithful slave Joseph “cleanse his way” when he boldly rejected the advances of Potiphar’s wife: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Gen. 39: 9).  How precious, therefore, is the Word of God, as the means of this cleansing operation in the hearts of the young!  It is also the best shield against the darts of the devil.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee” (v. 11). 

This verse means that the psalmist had treasured up the Word of God as the most valuable thing in his heart.  Though unseen, it is there; “it constituted the secret power by which he was governed; it was permanently deposited there, as the most valuable of his treasures” – Albert Barnes.  Indeed, God’s Word hidden deep in the heart will keep our ways safe.   Here it “dwells … richly in all wisdom” (Col. 3: 16), guiding us to do His blessed will. 

In Psalm 37:31, the psalmist reiterated this comforting truth, “the law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide” (Ps. 37: 31).  The course of the Christian who loves God’s Word, and makes it the inward rule of his conduct, will be steadfast and firm.  God will preserve his steps in safety.

How do we keep God’s Word in our heart?   By daily, prayerful meditation and study.  “Holy Scripture requires searching – much of it can only be learned by careful study.  There is milk for babes, but also meat for strong men.  … No man who merely skims the Book of God can profit thereby; we must dig and mine until we obtain the hid treasure.  The door of the Word only opens to the key of diligence” – C H Spurgeon.

Conclusion

God’s Word stands as an antidote to sin.  If it is kept in the heart, it stands as a guard against every trial and temptation.  Let us cherish this incomparable Guidebook and live by its light daily.  May the Lord help us to keep His Word in our heart that we might not sin against Him.

- Pastor