Aleph

1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart—
3 they do no wrong
but follow his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me. Psalm 119:1-8

This psalm is an acrostic poem. Each stanza begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The verses of each stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

The psalmist knew the importance of absolute obedience to the law as it was passed on to Moses. He knew it in theory. He, like all of us, fell short of 100% obedience, but he still knew the importance of obedience.

The law shows us that we fall short regularly. The law shows us that we are sinners, and that apart from Christ we cannot fulfill the law.

When we seek Christ, we realize just how sinful we are because He is able to pinpoint areas of our lives that need His touch.

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30