I am sitting here at my laptop trying not to complain out loud. Diane is at the sink doing dishes that I usually do. No big deal, I usually just wash out the coffee pot parts. I can’t this morning because my fingers have poison ivy or oak between some of them and it itches like mad. I don’t want to wash off the calamine lotion and the hydrocortisone creamy stuff. That is what I am trying not to complain about, the persistent itch I am suffering with. I am not being very successful at keeping my torment to myself. So instead of repeating over and over again, that this itch is driving me mad, I decided to pray about it instead. That is helping. The thoughts coming into my mind tell me that I won’t die, that this rash is no big deal and just to relax a bit. It will get better. In the meantime, I can take my mind off of my itching by concentrating on something better, so I am now reading Psalm 119.

Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible, as long as some books like Ruth, James, or Philippians. Psalm 119 has 176 verses and 22 stanzas each beginning with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza has eight verses with two lines each. David wrote this psalm as a very organized method to teach his young son Solomon the Hebrew alphabet and the spiritual alphabet of life. Here is one good example:

“The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Psalm 119: 72

This Psalm is not just about leaning an alphabet but learning about how our real-life meets God. It teaches us to cry out to him when we have needs and to praise him and give thanks even before those needs are met. It is written to learn from God when we turn to him:

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” Psalm 119:71

To borrow a metaphor, Psalm 119 is a tuning fork that we can use to tune our hearts towards God's Word. I challenge you and myself to read it through and let it work its intent in our hearts. Let’s start with the first four stanzas. This psalm contains some of the most beautiful words ever written. Notice the revealing connection between the two lines of each verse.

Psalm 119: 1-32

א Aleph

1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
    who walk according to the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
    and seek him with all their heart—
3 they do no wrong
    but follow his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts
    that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
    in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
    when I consider all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
    as I learn your righteous laws.
8 I will obey your decrees;
    do not utterly forsake me.

ב Beth (Beit)

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, Lord;
    teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
    as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
    and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.

ג Gimel

17 Be good to your servant while I live,
    that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I may see
    wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
    do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
    for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
    those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
    for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
    your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
    they are my counselors.

ד Daleth

25 I am laid low in the dust;
    preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
    teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
    be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
    do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
    for you have broadened my understanding.