"Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law." - Psalm 119:18

Last week I wrote from the 54th verse of this powerful Psalm -- "Thy statues have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage." Every day at Montagu Beach, Berkley Pilgrim, a former radio personality, immerses himself in his ministry of sharing God's word and giving out Bible tracts. As I drove through Montagu Beach and stopped to give him a small donation and share last week's text, he told me that I had to park and we would both read the entire 119th Psalm.

It was so calming and powerful as we responsively read with conviction and zeal, all 176 verses. Sometime ago I assigned Reverend Sandra Thompson of Mercy Ministries and a peace ambassador to the Montagu Beach to be of spiritual help to those who would be in need of strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. So blessed was I reading God's word with the vast expanse of water before me, cool breeze coming from the sea and the shade of the coconut trees that I feel compelled to return to read God's word for an hour or two each week.

The 119th Psalm is a celebration of the law. Each verse in this longest psalm is built around a different word that is a synonym for the word of God. The word "law" occurs 25 times, "word" appears 23 times, "statutes" and "commandments" are used 22 times each; "surety", "appointment" and "faithfulness" are used once each. The basic theme of the psalm is the law of God and it is written as beautiful poetry. It is the greatest reading format for becoming a polished speaker. So many of us look in more directions than one to help us with public speaking skills, but believe me when I say that if you read God's word, ears will be attentive when you speak.

The poet sang the praise of the law under all kinds of circumstances, persecution, false accusation, temptation, and intellectual doubt. The law is not a substitute for God but a guide to doing his will. It is not a burden to the psalmist but a joy. The law enables the poet to live in communion with God. The statutes represent the written law of God. The word is a dynamic communication of God's will for mankind. Sometimes the law is also presented as promise.

The point of the psalm is that obedience to God's law is the way to happiness. The poet asked divine help in understanding and keeping the law. God's word in one's heart brings joy and protects the believer from sin.

Happiness is in the law of the Lord. The psalmist prayed for deliverance from his enemies. He declared his loyalty to God's law. He prayed that he might understand the law more fully. He asked that he might be able to answer his foes who taunted him.

The psalmist kept his confidence even in times of persecution. He declared his devotion to the Lord. And he recognized that we can learn from what we suffer.

God's ways are just. The psalmist prayed again to be delivered from his enemies. He had an unshakable faith in the word of God.

The poet found the law to be sweet and beautiful. He prayed for divine help, praying for the Lord's intervention on his behalf. He affirmed his loyalty to the law. He praised the justice and righteousness of God's law.

The psalmist cried out to be saved from persecution and asked that his life might be spared. He declared his own faith and devotion. He promised to sing God's praise in gratitude for divine deliverance.

Psalm 119 is the Old Testament's greatest expression of love for God's law. The psalmist meditated upon the law, loved it, and delighted in it. Still, it is something to be obeyed. The law is not static but dynamic. It provides light and guidance. Obeying the law established fellowship with the living God. The psalm's meaning is clearly apparent to those who read it thoughtfully.

The poet concluded the psalm with a petition for understanding. He recommitted himself to obey the law and confessed his reliance on the Shepherd's care. It is my prayer today and always that you begin to read and mediate on this very powerful psalm and in so doing it will be good not only for the mind, but body and soul.

o E-mail rubyanndarling@yahoo.com, Facebook Ruby Ann Darling or write to P.O. Box SS 19725 Nassau, Bahamas with your prayer requests, concerns and comments. God's blessings!

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian