Delighting in the Word from A to Z - Sep. 21st, 2025

Text: Psalm 119 (Selected Verses)

CIT: The psalmist exalted God’s Law in an alphabetic prayer, expressing wholehearted devotion to Scripture as his guide and comfort through every trial[1][2].

Proposition: Because God’s Word is utterly sufficient for life, believers should delight in and obey Scripture in every circumstance.

Purpose: Consecrative/Devotional – I want my hearers to reaffirm their love for the Bible and commit to daily live out its truth, finding in God’s Word their guidance, strength, and joy.

Introduction

[3]In the 17th century, a Scottish minister named George Wishart was sentenced to death. As he stood on the scaffold, he was granted one final request: to have a psalm sung. He chose the longest one – Psalm 119. Legend says that before two-thirds of this magnificent psalm was sung, a messenger arrived with Wishart’s pardon, sparing his life![3] Now, it wasn’t the psalm’s length that saved him (though at 176 verses it bought some time); it was the providence of God. But how fitting that a psalm about God’s life-giving Word literally became a life-saving song! Psalm 119 has a way of doing that – pouring life and hope into the soul of anyone who sings it or studies it.

Many Christians, however, shy away from Psalm 119. At first glance it can seem repetitive or dauntingly long – “harping on one string” as superficial readers complain[4]. Perhaps you’ve tried to read it and felt like it just kept saying the same thing over and over about the Bible.

But as Charles Spurgeon observed, Psalm 119 is “a wonderful composition. Its expressions are many as the waves, but its testimony is one as the sea.” Though it returns to one grand theme again and again, “the self-same thought is not repeated” – each verse shines a slightly different facet of truth, like a kaleidoscope turning to reveal fresh beauty[5][6]. In fact, the more one studies this psalm, “the fresher it becomes”, and what seemed like honey at first taste never cloys the palate[7][4].

Tonight we begin a preaching series through each eight-verse stanza of Psalm 119. Before we dive into the first section, this introductory message will give us the big picture – the full structure, themes, and spiritual significance of this psalm. Psalm 119 is more than a beautiful piece of poetry; it is a call to action for every believer. Here the Holy Spirit shows us a soul set on fire with love for God’s truth. As we journey through it in coming weeks, my prayer is that same fire will be kindled in us – that we would delight in God’s Word as never before and dedicate ourselves to obeying it daily.

Central Idea of the Text

So as we begin this journey, let’s look at a brief overview of the psalm’s unique structure and central message. Psalm 119 is an untitled psalm (author unknown, though some suggest David or perhaps an exiled Israelite). It stands out in the Psalter not only for its length but for its layout. It is an elaborate alphabetic acrostic. The 176 verses are divided into 22 stanzas of 8 verses each, corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet[13][14]. In the Hebrew text, every verse in the first stanza begins with aleph (א), every verse in the second with beth (ב), and so on from A to Z (or aleph to tav). Why structure it this way? The Israelites used alphabetic acrostics as a literary device to signify totality or completeness in the truth being taught[15][16]. It’s as if the psalmist is saying, “Lord, I am going to praise Your Word with everything from A to Z. I’ll exhaust every letter praising the excellence of Your revelation!” One commentator aptly titled this psalm “The Lord’s A to Z for Living”[17]. Nothing is missing; it’s the full spectrum of devotion to God’s Word. The acrostic form also made it easier to memorize – and indeed, countless believers have memorized Psalm 119 in full.

Psalm 119 celebrates “the law of the LORD.” The psalmist turns eight near-synonyms (law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word, sayings) so we see every facet. Nearly every verse includes one—and almost always as Thy law, Thy commandments, Thy word—keeping the Author before us.

Now, knowing the structure, what is the central message of Psalm 119? In a nutshell, it is a celebration of God’s Word and an expression of steadfast devotion to it. The psalmist “rejoices in the way of [God’s] testimonies as much as in all riches” (Ps. 119:14), “loves [God’s] law exceedingly” (Ps. 119:167), and continually meditates on it. He declares God’s Word to be true, precious, powerful, and utterly sufficient for every area of life. One scholar called this psalm “The Exaltation of Torah” – an extended praise of the Scriptures[1]. But it’s not praise in the abstract; it is deeply personal. Psalm 119 is written in the first person, largely as a prayer addressed to the Lord: “Oh, how love I thy law!” (Ps. 119:97), “Teach me thy statutes” (Ps. 119:12), “Your word has given me life” (Ps. 119:50). We are listening to the heart-cry of a man in relationship with God through God’s Word. He’s not a legalist or academic, but a devoted servant speaking to his Master about the Master’s words. In one verse he’s testifying, in the next he’s praying, in the next he’s bursting into praise – all interwoven “like a sacred incense” before God[23]. Spurgeon marveled at this “singular commingling of testimony, prayer, and praise” throughout the psalm[23]. This is the language of a soul in love with Scripture and with the God of Scripture.

And here is where Psalm 119 hits home for us: it presents a mirror for our own attitude toward the Bible. It asks implicitly, “Do I cherish God’s Word like this? Do I depend on it and delight in it as my daily bread?” It’s easy to say we believe the Bible, but this psalm challenges us to feel about the Bible the way its author does – with zeal, joy, and unwavering commitment. As we study it, we’ll be exhorted to cultivate that same wholehearted love for God’s Word.

So, by way of introduction, I’d like to highlight three key truths that Psalm 119 impresses upon us. These will serve as an overview of the whole psalm and prepare us for the detailed study ahead. (1) First, we’ll see the perfection and completeness of God’s Word, reflected in the psalm’s structure and vocabulary – showing us that Scripture lacks nothing we need. (2) Second, we’ll see the devotion of the man of God – how the psalmist models the proper response to Scripture: delighting in it, learning from it, and obeying it wholeheartedly. (3) Third, we’ll consider the practical impact of God’s Word in the believer’s life – how Scripture guides us, sustains us in trials, and transforms us from the inside out. In other words, we’ll see the doctrinal greatness of God’s Word, the devotional love for God’s Word, and the dynamic power of God’s Word at work.

Let’s now examine these three overarching lessons from Psalm 119 in more depth. Now, the first truth…

I. The Word’s Perfection – A Complete and Precious Revelation

Psalm 119 puts on display the perfection and completeness of God’s Word. As we noted, the psalmist chose an acrostic “A to Z” structure. This literary decision itself conveys a theological truth: God’s revelation is all-encompassing and sufficient. There is a fullness to Scripture – it covers everything from the first letter to the last[16]. In fact, one line in the psalm (Ps. 119:96) says, “I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.” The NIV reads, “To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.” Human perfection has limits, but God’s Word is limitless in its perfection – it is boundlessly broad, covering all aspects of truth and life.

A. The Scriptures Are Flawless & Trustworthy

Consider how flawless and trustworthy Scripture is presented to be. Verse 89 (Ps. 119:89) exults, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” God’s Word isn’t an evolving human idea; it’s eternally fixed truth in heaven. Verse 140 (Ps. 119:140) declares, “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” It’s like refined gold with no dross – absolutely pure. Verse 160 (Ps. 119:160) adds, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” Every verse here reinforces what Psalm 19 already proclaimed: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul… the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Ps 19:7–8). The psalmist of 119 cannot find a single flaw in God’s testimonies. On the contrary, he stands in awe of the Word: “My heart standeth in awe of thy word” (Ps. 119:161). He knows the Author is perfect, so His message is perfect.

B. Scripture’s Infinite Value

The psalm also highlights the infinite value of God’s Word. Repeatedly the writer says it’s worth more than riches. “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver” (Ps. 119:72). “I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold” (Ps. 119:127). Imagine inheriting a fortune – the psalmist says he’d rather have the Bible than a vault of pure gold! Why? Because the Scriptures enrich the soul in ways money never can. They give wisdom, character, salvation – eternal riches. Verse 162 (Ps. 119:162) compares it to finding great spoil, as if one discovered a hidden treasure chest. In another verse he says God’s words “rejoice the heart” (Ps. 119:111) – they bring more pleasure than any earthly delight. Truly, only a perfect Word from a perfect God could merit such praise.

And yet, for all its structured perfection, the psalm is not stiff or mechanical. Within the form is tremendous variety and vitality. Spurgeon pointed out that the verses, though centered on one theme, are “charmingly varied from beginning to end…What you see is the same, and yet never the same: it is the same truth, but always placed in a new light.”[26][27]There’s an endless depth to God’s Word, and the psalmist’s approach to it demonstrates that. You can tell he has “weighed each word” of Scripture through “lengthened meditation”[28]. And beyond purity and value, the Word is sufficient.

C. Scripture Is Sufficient

In extolling the Word’s perfection, Psalm 119 also reminds us that Scripture is sufficient. “Boundless” and “all-encompassing” as we saw, it provides whatever guidance or comfort we need. The psalmist never once complains that God’s revelation is lacking on some topic; rather he asserts in various ways that it is complete. “Thy commandment is exceeding broad” (Ps. 119:96) – covering every area of life. He even says, “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (Ps. 119:104). The Word gives him a worldview, a discernment, by which he can reject all falsehood. Nothing can lead him astray if he stays anchored to this truth. What a testimony to the Bible’s sufficiency for forming our beliefs and ethics! The apostle Paul said something similar in 2 Timothy 3:15–17 – that Scripture thoroughly equips us “for every good work.”

By way of application, do we treat the Bible as sufficient and supremely valuable? In theory we say yes, but in practice many Christians function as if the Bible were not enough. We chase after worldly philosophies or self-help gurus, or we act as though something is missing – a new revelation, perhaps. Psalm 119 gently rebukes that attitude. God’s Word is perfect; it lacks nothing. If I find myself bored with it or thinking I’ve “heard it all before,” the problem is with me, not with Scripture. There are deeper wonders to uncover if I’ll humble myself and ask God to open my eyes. Do I approach my Bible with that kind of expectancy? The psalmist did. He came again and again, saying, “Teach me, Lord… give me understanding… I open my mouth and pant for your commandments” (Ps. 119:131). He saw the Word as an endless banquet and himself as a hungry man.

II. The Believer’s Devotion – Loving and Living the Word

If there is one figure who lives out the Shema’s command (“Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart…”) in relation to Scripture, it’s the psalmist of 119. He doesn’t merely acknowledge the Word’s greatness; he adores it. His heart is thoroughly captivated. This section highlights the psalmist’s devotion to God’s Word – seen in his delight, his dependence, and his dedication to obey.

A. Delight in God’s Statutes

First, consider his delight. Eight times he explicitly says he delights in God’s statutes (e.g. Ps. 119:16, “I will delight myself in thy statutes”; Ps. 119:24, “Thy testimonies also are my delight”; Ps. 119:111, “Thy testimonies…are the rejoicing of my heart”). Far from viewing Scripture as a burden or drudgery, he finds it “as enjoyable as eating a good meal”[29]. Psalm 119 repeatedly echoes Psalm 1, which said “blessed is the man…[whose] delight is in the law of the LORD.” Indeed, the opening of Psalm 119 gives us two beatitudes: “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart” (Ps. 119:1-2, KJV). Joyful, enviable, happy – that’s the lot of the person who embraces God’s Word. The psalmist testifies that he would not be happy otherwise. In verse 92 (Ps. 119:92) he writes, “Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.” In other words, “If I hadn’t found joy and comfort in Your Word, Lord, my suffering would have finished me off!” That’s a powerful statement. Scripture literally kept him going in dark times. No wonder Jeremiah later said, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jer 15:16).

B. Dependence on the Word

Next, notice the psalmist’s humble dependence on the Word. He doesn’t assume he can understand or apply it by his own intellect. Repeatedly he prays, “Teach me thy statutes” (Ps. 119:12, 26, 64, etc.). “Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments” (Ps. 119:73). “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies” (Ps. 119:36). He calls himself God’s servant who needs instruction (Ps. 119:125). This humility is key. He knows that without God’s illumination, the words will not penetrate his heart. That famous verse 18, (Ps. 119:18) “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law,” shows that he expects there are wondrous truths there, but he needs God to unveil them. Dependence naturally leads to obedience.

C. Dedication to Obedience

All of this flows into the third aspect: dedication to obedience. If one word captures Psalm 119, it is “obedience.” Nearly every stanza includes a resolve or a report of obeying God’s Word: “I will keep thy statutes” (Ps. 119:8), “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments” (Ps. 119:60), “I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments” (Ps. 119:106). It’s striking that the psalmist prays not only to understand the Word but to live it: “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart” (Ps. 119:34). He asks for life and strength in order to obey. For example, “Quicken me (revive me)… So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth” (Ps. 119:88). He isn’t just adding Bible knowledge to his head; he’s applying it with his hands and feet.

We see here a crucial balance of doctrine and duty. The psalmist’s theology is rich – he knows God’s Word is pure, true, forever, etc. – but his theology moves him to action. He walks “in the law of the Lord” (Ps. 119:1). It implies step-by-step obedience in daily conduct. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” The writer’s love isn’t sentimental; it’s proven in faithful obedience.

Not that obedience was easy for him. Throughout the psalm he admits his weakness and wandering tendency. “O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!” (Ps. 119:5) – a cry of longing because he knows he falls short. “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments” (Ps. 119:10). The very last verse says, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments” (Ps. 119:176). Isn’t that a beautiful, honest ending? After 175 verses of extolling God’s Word, he closes by essentially saying, “Lord, I still need You to hold me in it – I’m prone to stray, but I remember Your Word, so please come find me if I drift.” This is no self-righteous Bible-thumper boasting about his perfection. This is a man keenly aware of his need for grace to obey.

In fact, one could say Psalm 119 teaches grace-empowered obedience. He repeatedly asks God to enable him to keep the law: “Make me to go in the path of thy commandments” (Ps. 119:35), “Incline my heart to thy testimonies” (Ps. 119:36). He knows that only by the Lord’s work in his heart (“circumcising” his heart, as Deut. 30:6 says) can he truly obey from the heart[30]. And that lines up perfectly with New Testament truth: obedience flows from a heart changed by God’s grace, not from mere willpower. “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil 2:13).

By application, we ought to examine our own response to God’s Word. Do I delight in it? If not, perhaps I need to pray as the psalmist did, “Incline my heart to Your testimonies.” Do I depend on it and on God’s Spirit in it? Maybe I’ve been leaning on my own understanding too much – I need to, like a child, ask God to teach me from each passage I read. And crucially, am I dedicated to obeying what I learn? It’s been said that our growth in Christ will stall out at the point where our obedience stops. If God has shown you something in His Word – maybe a command you’ve ignored or a sin you need to put off – will you respond as this psalmist did, with quick, sincere obedience? Notice he said, “I made haste and did not delay to keep Your commandments” (Ps. 119:60). Delayed obedience is disobedience. Let’s allow this godly example to spur us on. The next time you open your Bible, approach it with the heart of Psalm 119: “Lord, I delight in Your truth. Teach me, correct me, and I will hasten to follow.” That is the pathway of blessing.

III. The Word’s Impact – Guidance, Comfort, and Transformation

We’ve seen the perfection of the Word and the believer’s devotion to the Word. Finally, we consider the practical impact of the Word in a believer’s life, as illustrated throughout Psalm 119. Why is the psalmist so passionate about Scripture? Because he has experienced its power and benefit in the real world. This psalm is not sung from an ivory tower; it’s forged in the fires of life – including suffering, persecution, and personal struggle. In it we find at least three major ways God’s Word works in us: it guides us, it comforts/sustains us, and it changes us (producing growth in holiness and character). These correspond to the Bible’s roles of lamp, staff, and chisel, if you will.

A. A Lamp to Guide Us

Guidance: We quoted earlier Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” This beloved verse paints Scripture as our roadmap and flashlight in a dark world. The psalmist frequently needed direction – just like we do – and he turned to God’s law for counsel. Verse 130 (Ps. 119:130) says, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Even a simple person, if he opens God’s Word, will receive the light of wisdom for choices and moral dilemmas. In verse 133 (Ps. 119:133) he prays, “Order my steps in thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” That’s a prayer for guidance in righteous living – “Lord, align my steps with the principles of Your Word so that sin won’t rule me.” It acknowledges that without God’s Word guiding us, sin easily entangles and dominates.

Consider some very practical matters: purity, for example. Verse 9 (Ps. 119:9) famously asks, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?” – basically, “How can a person keep their life pure?” The answer: “by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” God’s Word has a preventive and cleansing effect against sin. It guides our moral choices, showing clearly this is right, that is wrong.

B. A Staff to Comfort Us

Comfort and Sustenance: Life is not all clear skies – the psalmist knew storm clouds well. So he was swimming against the cultural current, which brought scorn and trouble.

What kept him from despair? God’s promises. Over and over he testifies that the Word gave him life and comfort in affliction. “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me” (Ps. 119:50). The term “quickened” means revived or given life. When depressed or almost crushed, the promises of Scripture breathed life back into his soul. Verse 52: (Ps. 119:52) “I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.” In verse 76 (Ps. 119:76) he prays, “Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.” He’s literally claiming a promise (“according to Your word”) as his source of comfort.

The psalmist also found hope in God’s Word regarding the future. Verse 114: (Ps. 119:114) “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” Verse 147: (Ps. 119:147) “I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.” To “prevent the dawning” means he was up before sunrise, crying out to God, putting his hope in the promises at the start of each day. Perhaps he was waiting for God’s deliverance from enemies. He repeatedly affirms that he expects God to come through as He said. Scripture gave him a long-range view beyond the present pain.

C. A Chisel to Shape Us

Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The author of Psalm 119 would say amen to that too! He understood that God’s Word not only guides and comforts, it purifies and changes us. We already touched on how it keeps one pure (Ps. 119:9, 11). Another verse (Ps. 119:67) says, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” Affliction, used by God’s Word, brought him back in line. Verse 71 (Ps. 119:71) even says, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” That’s a transformed perspective! He sees trial as a discipline that led him to greater obedience. When you begin to view hardships as tools that drive you deeper into Scripture and closer to God, that shows growth.

Speaking of Christ, I would be remiss not to point out that Jesus Himself perfectly embodies Psalm 119. He is the one person who fully lived in absolute obedience and delight in God’s law. He said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me” – just as the psalmist said God’s word was like food. Jesus always kept the Father’s commandments, never straying, never needing to be corrected by affliction (though He chose affliction for our sake!). Where the psalmist said “I have gone astray like a lost sheep,” Jesus could say, “I always do what pleases [the Father]”. And wonderfully, Jesus is not only the model law-keeper; He is the Savior for us law-breakers. We have all fallen short in loving and obeying God’s Word. But Christ’s death and resurrection opened the way for our forgiveness and for God to write His law on our hearts (Jer. 31:33). Through Jesus, the Living Word, we receive the Holy Spirit who helps us love the written Word and walk in its light. So as we extol the Bible, let’s remember it’s meant to lead us to the Lord of the Bible – to Jesus Himself. He said the Scriptures “testify of Me” (John 5:39). In Psalm 119, every expression of hungering for salvation and mercy ultimately finds its answer in Christ, the Word made flesh and our Redeemer.

Conclusion

As we embark on each 8-verse stanza, make Psalm 119 personal. Take one verse a day or a stanza a week; when decisions loom, remember 105; when you feel dry, pray 25.

Let me close with an image: In verse 54 (Ps. 119:54) the psalmist says, “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.” Life for him was a pilgrimage – he knew this world was not his final home – but along the way, God’s Word was like a song that he carried in his heart, making the journey joyful and keeping his steps in rhythm with God’s will. We too are pilgrims, passing through to our heavenly home. What song are you singing on the way? The world offers many a tune, but only one song will carry you safely through: the song of Scripture, the melody of God’s truth in your life. By God’s grace, let’s take up that song. Let’s be men and women of the Word – hearing it, hiding it in our hearts, and heeding it with our lives.

In a world that has largely “made void [God’s] law”[31], let’s courageously echo the commitment of Psalm 119: “I will delight myself in Thy commandments, which I have loved” (Ps. 119:47). By His grace and for His glory, may we daily delight in and obey the Word of God. Amen.

If you’ve never trusted Christ—the Living Word whom Scripture proclaims—believe on Him today.

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for speaking to us through Your holy, inspired Word. Thank You for Psalm 119 and the example of a heart in love with Your truth. Forgive us where we have neglected or disobeyed Your Word. Rekindle in us a fervent love for the Scriptures. Help us to taste and see the goodness of Your Word each day. Teach us, guide us, correct us, and comfort us through it. Most of all, help us to obey it – to be doers who walk in Your ways with our whole heart. We cannot do this in our own strength, but we ask for the quickening power of Your Holy Spirit. Plant Your Word deep in us and let it bear much fruit. As we continue to study Psalm 119 in this series, use it to revive our souls and draw us nearer to Jesus, the Living Word. Lord, we declare with the psalmist: ‘Thy word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.’ By that light, lead us safely home to You. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.”[32][33]

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