Last year I was gifted a beautifully illustrated coffee table rendition of the book of Psalms. This morning, I spent some time soaking in Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible. Today I thought I’d try to summarize its 176 verses.

Psalm 119 is a celebration of the Word of God. Some of the synonyms the unnamed author uses for God’s Word include law, testimony, precepts, statutes, commandments, and righteous rules (ESV).

God’s Word is viewed as a gift from God that endures forever. It teaches and counsels, imparts life, help, peace, strength, and understanding. Additionally, God’s Word provides knowledge, truth, wisdom, and good judgment. While acting as a light and lamp, it prevents one from stumbling, pointing the reader to right choices in order to avoid sin.

The author is completely in awe of God’s Word and responds to it with delight, love, and a joyful heart. He meditates on it, longs for it, fixes his eyes on it, and desires to remember, and not forget it. He boldly sings God’s Word, claiming it is “sweet to taste.”

He chooses to cling to, trust in, and hope in God’s Word. He considers it a blessing and heritage, having greater worth than riches. It causes him to offer God praise.

Upon seeking God’s Word, he then speaks it to others. His companions are those who also seek God’s Word, and he grieves for those who don’t keep God’s law. When threatened by enemies, it is God’s Word he turns to for guidance and comfort.

Here are a couple verses I treasure:

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

I encourage you to read and fall in love with God’s Word. Find a verse to memorize and be blessed.