MEDITATION ON THE WORD:
PSALM 119

• PART 1 - Introductory Comments
  
• PART 2 - Specific Verses Using the Word "MEDITATION" in Psalm 119
  
• PART 3 - Questions

PART 1 - Introductory Comments

Meditation on the Word of God is the starting point for all we do. This doesn't mean that we never think about anything else. Rather, the Word is the starting point which enables the rest of our thoughts to have their proper place. It is the context in which all other thoughts should occur. It is the foundation on which we build. [We would never want to use meditation on the Word as an excuse for carelessness or thoughtlessness, when we are involved in an activity that requires concentration and attention!]

Some additional comments:

• Some of the following observations would also fit in the "fact" section of this study ("Meditation: The Christian does it")
  
• All the rest of Psalm 119 has a similar focus, but most of the verses just don't use the word "meditate."
  
• Each verse in Psalm 119 occurs within the context of an 8-verse stanza. It would be beneficial to look in this context, when studying the specific verses listed below.

PART 2 - SPECIFIC VERSES USING THE WORD "MEDITATION" IN PSALM 119:

A. HE DOES IT... as an expression of love [compare with Psalm 1:2 - his "delight"]

1. Psalm 119:48 - Meditation on God's Decrees

   • An expression of love/desire for them. He will speak about them in the presence of others - even kings (rulers).
      
2. Psalm 119:97 - Meditation on God's Laws
   • An expression of love for God's Law. Read the context to see what effect the Law has on him.

B. HE DOES IT... at all times

1. Psalm 119:148 - Meditation on God's Promises

   • Context: promises of deliverance. He thinks about them all night (v. 148) and during the day (v. 147).
     
   • [NOTE about verse 146 ("I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes.") - This is the opposite of what so many people do. They call out for God when they are in trouble... and then forget him after he delivers them! The righteous will keep God's statutes after deliverance, as well as before.]

C. HE DOES IT... though wronged & persecuted by enemies

1. Psalm 119:23 - Meditation on God's Decrees

   • Though slandered/opposed by the arrogant (including rulers).
      
2. Psalm 119:78 - Meditation on God's Precepts
   • Though the arrogant wrong him without cause. His primary desire is to follow God's Word.

D. THE OBJECT OF HIS MEDITATION... on God's Word

1. Psalm 119:15 - Meditation on God's Precepts

   • (Also: a focus on the ways of God - a similar concept.)
     
   • Context: a desire for a pure life.

E. RESULTS OF MEDITATION: insight

1. Psalm 119:99 - Meditation on God's Statutes

   • They are the source of the greatest wisdom.

F. One of the results of understanding the Word (which meditation helps accomplish): being able to MEDITATE on God's wonders

1. Ps. 119:27 - "I will meditate on your wondrous works."

   • For more about this verse, see the study that focuses on what we meditate on: Meditation with an OBJECTIVE.

PART 3 - QUESTIONS:

1. Look at this Psalm. It would be a good psalm to spend a lot of time meditating on!

2. What is the psalmist's attitude toward God's Word? How is it reflected in his life and in his perspective on things? What are some of the specific things he says about the Word?

3. Other people are mentioned who do not have his same perspective - people who think very poorly about God's Word and about those who follow God's ways. How does the psalmist describe these people? What type of conflict was there between these people and the psalmist? What is the final outcome of people who do not think highly of God's Word?

4. If you think highly of God's Word, what effect will it have on you? In other words, how is knowledge and thinking converted into actions in your life?

Dennis Hinks © 1996, 2004
Psalm 119:146 quoted from the World English Bible (public domain);
other references to Scripture are not direct quotes of any specific translation.
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