Psalm 119:176

Psalm 119:176

Let's not forget His commands

And so, here we are! The last verse of Psalm 119, a Psalm that we have studied, verse by verse, for well over 6 months. Has it had an impact? For me it has highlighted the importance of the Word of God and the variation and value of the Scriptures. The author loved these sacred words so much that his devotion to them far exceeded all other loves in his life. In loving the Law of God, he had discovered a route to the timeless heart and mind of God, and therefore, to God Himself. Throughout the Psalm we have seen the wicked exposed, all activity that rebels against the Lord is condemned, and we have learned that truth and righteousness are qualities of our God that are incredibly precious and to be eagerly sought after. I’m sorry to say “goodbye”, the psalmist has become a friend and a confidante, a reliable guide in an unreliable world.  

The Psalm ends with an admission of human failure and weakness. Perhaps these words were in the mind of Isaiah when he wrote, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6. After months of reflecting on the Law of God, this can be our only conclusion. We are human, we have sinned, we are lawbreakers who are tainted reflections in the mirror of God’s perfection. Thankfully, He does not give up on us, He seeks those who seek Him. He is the ancient, good shepherd who looks out for His flock and who cares about those who have strayed. It is true, that however far we may wander from the fold, it is impossible to forget the commands of the Lord. Somehow, they call us, they beckon us home, they draw us back. To have that reassuring truth hidden deep within is such a comfort, it is further evidence that we truly belong, that even as lost sheep we have a home and an identity. This Psalm gives us a sense of belonging, and it is rooted in God’s Word.


Goodbye Psalm 119, thank you for all that you have shown us. You have been such a blessing!

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