Know the Letter, Love the Word

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7-10

“I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you…
In the way of your testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word…

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
    for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies…

My hope is in your rules.
I will keep your law continually,
    forever and ever…
for I find my delight in your commandments,
    which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
    and I will meditate on your statutes…

The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Psalm 119:11,14-16,33-36a, 43b-44,47-48,72

The Word of God is compiled of many words of God penned by His inspired writers. The written Word extols the attributes of the living Word, Christ Jesus, urging its readers on to discover and delight. Psalm 119 is written in sections beginning with letters of the Hebrew alphabet, making its truths rhythmic and memorable. The Lord speaks in living, active words to pierce mind and heart so we can know and love and become like Him. (John 1:1; 2 Timothy 3:16)

Maintaining a vibrant life in Christ means abiding in His word. Abiding necessitates meditating on and applying it in various aspects of daily living. When we devote ourselves to time in the Word, guarding it as a vital priority, we will be informed, shaped, and strengthened by its truths and power. (Psalm 1:1-3; John 15:15)

How well do we attend to the living words issued by the Word Himself? Are we allowing their beauty and substance to sink in, take root, nourish, and flourish? What would change in outlook, attitude, and daily decisions if we regularly worshiped God for the (alphabetic) attributes of His Word?

Active (Hebrews 4:12)
Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26)
Creative (Genesis 1:3)
Dependable (Isaiah 55:11)
Eternal (Isaiah 40:8)
Flawless (Proverbs 30:5)
Guide (Psalm 119:105)
Holy (John 17:17)
Inspired (1 Peter 1:21)
Just (Jeremiah 23:29)
Kind (2 Peter 1:4)
Living (John 6:63)
Mighty (1 Peter 1:23)
Near (Romans 10:8)
Omnipotent (Romans 10:17)
Perfect (2 Samuel 22:31)
Quick to divide soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12)
Right (Psalm 33:4)
Sustenance (Matthew 4:4)
Trustworthy (Psalm 18:30)
Unchanging (Psalm 119:89)
Valuable (Psalm 119:72)
Wise (Psalm 119:130)
Xcellent (Jeremiah 15:16)
Yielding great reward (Job 23:12)
Zealous (Ephesians 6:17)

Lord, keep me meditating on and living by Your wonderful words of life, to Your glory. (Colossians 3:16-17)