Why it matters 

 It’s fitting that Psalm 1 calls the one who meditates on God’s Word day and night “blessed.” Words have power. When we actively proclaim and pray the Word of God, we declare His truth and His power over our hearts, our situations, even whole environments. And when we meditate on and rest in Scripture, we allow our hearts and minds to be saturated with His wisdom instead of the lies and deception of the voices around us; His Word becomes a weapon and shield against the enemy. What we daily choose to consume and fill our mouths with will largely affect what we believe in and act upon as followers of Christ.

What it's talking about 

The Book of Psalms is a compilation of songs, poems, declarations of worship written by God’s people between the time of Moses (about 1440 BC) and the time following the Babylonian captivity (after 538 BC); many were written by King David. The Psalms reflect the depth and complexity of the writers’ relationships with God, heartfelt prayers that fluctuate between songs of praise and adoration, and cries of grief and frustration. It is in these we learn the importance of pouring our hearts out to God in any and every season.

 Psalm 119 in particular emphasizes the importance of glorifying God and His Word, constantly teaching us to treasure His commands and learn from them. To highlight this, the author mentions the Word of God in almost every verse of this 176-verse Psalm. The message is not to study Scripture for the sake of knowledge, but to allow our study of it to inform and deepen our relationship and love for the Author of the Word, God Himself.

Psalm 119:105-116 NIV

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,

    a light on my path.

106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,

    that I will follow your righteous laws.

107 I have suffered much;

    preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.

108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,

    and teach me your laws.

109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,

    I will not forget your law.

110 The wicked have set a snare for me,

    but I have not strayed from your precepts.

111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;

    they are the joy of my heart.

112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees

    to the very end.

113 I hate double-minded people,

    but I love your law.

114 You are my refuge and my shield;

    I have put my hope in your word.

115 Away from me, you evildoers,

    that I may keep the commands of my God!

116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;

    do not let my hopes be dashed.