Psalm 119

I. INTRODUCTION: MISSING THE MARK?

Open with a question: Why do so many Christians struggle to live a consistent, Christlike life?

They may get lost along the way.

They may get distracted.

They may just miss the point entirely.

I would believe that the primary issue is that they do not have a strong enough emphasis on the word of God.

By a show of hands,

Who believes that God is who he claims to be?

Who believes that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, Literally God’s word written?

Who believes that the Bible is about God, but for man?

Who believes that the Bible is vital for us to live a Godly life?

Introduce the illustration: Wiffle Balls

If we were to try to live a holy and righteous life without the Bible, we will rarely hit the target.

It’s like if I were to try and lob this ball and hit a specific target.

Chances are, it’s not going to happen.

I may still hit something—but rarely what I’m aiming for.

Main idea: The Word of God is like the sights on a bow—it helps the Christian aim true and hit the target: a Christlike life.

II. THE AIM: CHRISTLIKE LIVING

This leads us to Psalm 119.

Psalm 119 is about God’s word and how the Christian needs God’s word to function.

And honestly, it paints this beautifully.

How we need to study it, Meditate on it, Memorize it

Psalm 119’s emphasis: The Word is the tool that aligns our life to God’s will.

Just think about it,

It’s God’s word telling us about how to live Christlike.

God the creator of the universe designed and made you.

And now he sends his word to us so that we may know him.

Not only do we get to know him through the Bible we get to know how to please him.

This is called living a Godly life.

So naturally, if a Christian does not heed the word of God or absorb the word of God

They might occasionally do something right, but more often than not, they will miss the target.

Without God’s Word, we might still be trying—but we’re aiming blind.

III. THE SIGHTS: HOW SCRIPTURE GIVES ALIGNMENT

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp…” — it helps us see where we’re going.

Psalm 119:9–11 – The Word purifies, aligns, and keeps us from sin.

Psalm 119:98–100 – Scripture gives wisdom and sharper perception than experience alone.

Archery Illustration:

Take a bow and arrow, for example.

Did you know that the Hebrew word for “sin” is an archery term?

It means to miss the target

Instead of lobbing through life trying to hit a target in a difficult way,

We should fine tune the way that we live in order to hit the target of godliness more consistently.

Like the Word of God in our lives, the sights of a bow help you aim true—they provide focus and alignment.

A bow without sights or my arm trying to lob a ball = a life without Scripture.

The sights:

Correct our aim 

By showing us what matters.

That God is the only thing that eternally matters

Stabilize our focus 

The Word of God prevents spiritual drift.

Provides a point of perspective, allowing us to see when we do begin to drift off target.

Train our reflexes 

By Allowing us to understand what we need to do to pull back to being on target or to counteract the effects that would pull us off target.

The Word of God provides us with the means to respond to temptation and trials with God’s truth.

IV. WHY WE MEMORIZE: KEEPING THE SIGHTS CALIBRATED

Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word…” – memorization internalizes truth.

Open confession here:

What I found is that upon studying Psalm 119 studying for this sermon, I found that I, personally am weak in the discipline of memorizing scripture

Memorization:

Makes Scripture instantly accessible.

Anchors your identity in Christ.

Sharpens your spiritual reflexes.

When Jesus was in the wilderness, being tempted by Satan, what did he do?

Three different times he was tempted by Satan

Each time he responded with scripture

Somehow, I don’t believe that he had a Bible sitting right next to him, and he flipped to the passage and read off the response.

No, I Firmly believe that Jesus had those references memorized.

This is important to note because this is exactly what we should be doing as Christians.

Memorizing and meditating on God’s Word (to the extent that you are mentally able to do so) is critical for walking with Jesus.

Why?

Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Do you see this language?

“I have stored up your Word in my heart…”

How do you do that?

And I think the answer to that question is obvious.

You memorize it.

You store it inside you.

It’s what you do, which leads to a word we see all over this Psalm, meditate or meditation. 

I’ll show you just one example. Psalm 119:97, “Oh, how I love your law. It’s my meditation all the day.”

And this picture of meditation is not like an Eastern search for inner peace by emptying your mind.

This is actually filling your mind with God’s Word, just turning it over and over and over again, chewing on it, digesting it.

V. 35 REASONS TO ABSORB AND MEMORIZE GOD’S WORD

Upon Psalm 119,. I found 35 reasons for you to absorb and memorize scripture as much as you physically can.

I would like to note two things,

Firstly, there were more than just these. I just think that 35 reasons should suffice for getting the point across.

The verses themselves will be on the screen.

If you would like a list, you are welcomed to try and write them down, I’m going to be moving fast so gold sticker if you can.

But I am also happy to provide a list of these scriptures and the point of each of them.

Secondly, this is only one chapter of the entire Bible.

This chapter alone is ladened with reasons to memorize and absorb scripture.

However, the entirety of the Bible also cries out for the same thing.

So don’t Think that there’s just 35 reasons.

There is far, far more.

So let’s go through them.

It will bring you true, lasting happiness.

Psalm 119:1–2 “1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,”

It will help you experience freedom from, and victory over sin.

Psalm 119:9 “9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” ,

Psalm 119:11 “11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” ,

Psalm 119:61 “61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.” ,

Psalm 119:110 “110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.” ,

Psalm 119:133 “133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”

It will crucify your pride.

Psalm 119:21 “21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.”

It will cultivate your humility.

Psalm 119:12 “12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!”

Psalm 119:26 “26 When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!”

It will lead you in good ways.

Psalm 119:35 “35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.”

Psalm 119:129 “129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.”

It will keep you from evil ways.

Psalm 119:29 “29 Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!”

Psalm 119:104 “104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.”

Psalm 119:128 “128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.”

It will make you richer than the wealthiest person in the world.

Psalm 119:14 “14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.”

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

Psalm 119:127 “127 Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.”

It will satisfy you more than the finest meal in the world.

Psalm 119:103 “103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

It will open your eyes to wonderful things.

Psalm 119:18 “18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

It will thrill you with endless treasure.

Psalm 119:162 “162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.”

It will fill you with what will never fail you.

Psalm 119:140 “140 Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.”

It will help you understand God’s ways.

Psalm 119:27 “27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.”

Psalm 119:34 “34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.”

Psalm 119:73 “73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.”

Psalm 119:125 “125 I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!”

Psalm 119:130 “130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”

It will help you trust God’s plans.

Psalm 119:67–68 “67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. 68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.”

It will guide you amidst challenges in this world.

Psalm 119:19 “19 I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!”

Psalm 119:173 “173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.”

It will transform your trials for good.

Psalm 119:67 “67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.”

Psalm 119:75 “75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.”

It will strengthen you in sorrow.

Psalm 119:28 “28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!”

It will sustain you in struggles.

Psalm 119:92 “92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”

It will counsel you when you’re confused.

Psalm 119:24 “24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.”

It will comfort you when you’re afflicted.

Psalm 119:50 “50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”

Psalm 119:52 “52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord.”

Psalm 119:76 “76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.”

Psalm 119:143 “143 Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.”

It will quiet you when you’re anxious.

Psalm 119:143 “143 Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.”

It will keep you from being ashamed.

Psalm 119:6 “6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.”

Psalm 119:31 “31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame!”

Psalm 119:46 “46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,”

Psalm 119:80 “80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame!”

Psalm 119:116 “116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!”

It will guard you from living for selfish gain.

Psalm 119:36 “36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”

It will free you from looking at and living for endless triviality in this world.

Psalm 119:37 “37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”

It will give you perspective on power in this world.

Psalm 119:23 “23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.”

Psalm 119:46 “46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,”

Psalm 119:161 “161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.”

It will equip you to encourage others.

Psalm 119:13 “13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.”

Psalm 119:79 “79 Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies.”

It will lead you to continual worship of God.

Psalm 119:48 “48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.”

Psalm 119:62 “62 At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.”

Psalm 119:120 “120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.”

Psalm 119:164 “164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.”

Psalm 119:171–172 “171 My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. 172 My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.”

It will fill you with hope in God.

Psalm 119:43 “43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.”

Psalm 119:49 “49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.”

Psalm 119:81 “81 My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.”

Psalm 119:114 “114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.”

Psalm 119:116 “116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!”

Psalm 119:147 “147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.”

It will fuel your prayer life.

Psalm 119:58 “58 I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”

Psalm 119:169 “169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word!”

It will deepen your friendships.

Psalm 119:63 “63 I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.”

Psalm 119:74 “74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.”

It will calm you amidst attacks against you.

Psalm 119:69 “69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;”

Psalm 119:78 “78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.”

Psalm 119:95 “95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.”

Psalm 119:150–151 “150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law. 151 But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.”

Psalm 119:157 “157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.”

It will remind you of God’s faithfulness to you.

Psalm 119:90 “90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.”

Psalm 119:140 “140 Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.”

It will help you endure to the end.

Psalm 119:33 “33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.”

Psalm 119:44–45 “44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, 45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.”

Psalm 119:87 “87 They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.”

Psalm 119:112 “112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.”

It will cause you to love what God loves.

Psalm 119:136 “136 My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.”

It will cause you to hate what God hates.

Psalm 119:128 “128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.”

Psalm 119:163 “163 I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.”

It will save you from sin and death.

Psalm 119:94 “94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.”

Psalm 119:118–119 “118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain. 119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.”

Psalm 119:170 “170 Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word.”

Encourage: If a soldier trains with his weapon daily, why wouldn’t we train our soul with the Word daily?

VI. PRACTICAL CHALLENGE: MAKE SCRIPTURE YOUR DAILY SIGHTLINE

A. Start a habit of daily reading and reflecting.

B. Choose one verse a week to memorize.

C. Speak it, write it, pray it.

D. Use it in moments of stress, temptation, or decision.

The more you align your sight with God’s Word, the more accurately you will live your life.