Psalm Reflections - Week 2

Psalm 119…

"Your word is a lamp for our steps, a light for our path" vs 105

As you turn to this psalm, you may ask how do you wrap your hands around it! It is the longest psalm in the Psalter with 176 verses! You may also begin to think it is a bit repetitious in its praise of the law. Reflection on the law does not normally evoke such praise from us! Here is another example of the Bible containing riches beyond measure once we get behind the words to what they mean; what is the message that is of such value to us?

The psalm is an alphabetic acrostic. There are 22 stanzas, each beginning with a succeeding letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In an oral culture where teaching was handed down by word of mouth, such devices were aids to remembering or memorizing important teachings. We sometimes use the expression "from A to Z!" suggesting the beginning to the end and everything in between! The meaning of the phrase captures what the psalmist intends us to understand: a totality, a completeness of all that could possibly be said so we might grasp the importance of the "law". This psalm invites us to ponder the perfection of TORAH, from Alef to Tav, considering the all-encompassing way that the word/revelation from God directs our life. This psalm opens our heart to be grateful for the faithfulness of all God's promises and the fullness of life that comes to one who steadily sets their feet on the path of discovering and learning; of listening and attending to this word.

As you look at each stanza, note that each verse uses a synonym for TORAH (Torah is generally, and too simply, translated as "law"). Taking a close look at these synonyms can reveal an understanding that is easy for us to miss. Some of these synonyms are: "commands", "decrees", "promises", "God's will", "God's way", "ordinances", "precepts", "God's word", "your teachings", etc. The number and variety of synonyms help us to get into the mind of the psalmist and of ancient Israel and the importance and place that "Torah" had. It is not simply a code of laws, a few commands to be kept as if checking a list of do's and don'ts! "TORAH" implies the will of God revealed to guide Israel in the events of life. It required an intentional response, a daily hearing God speak. This "word" is the revealed will of God that directed life, gave instruction for living, insured a safe passage through the shoals of life and brought one untold blessings and riches. It is wisdom! (See also Ps 19:8-12). The law, according to Psalm 19, is to be desired more than gold, it is sweeter than honey, it gives gladness to the heart, light to the eye, wisdom to the simple. Most would agree, this is a different way of thinking about "law"!

In this brief reflection, all I can hope to do is to provide some insight for you so you might set yourself in God's presence through the words of this psalm and listen attentively. For each person, one or other stanza might speak more directly than another depending on where your life is now and the concerns and questions you hold within. Again, using the guidelines we set out for praying a psalm in last week's reflection, enter prayerfully into how the word speaks to you. These reflections are intended only to be jumping off points for your own prayer! You have to do the work!

As you read, you might find that the psalm sounds repetitious, repeating the same idea in different ways. This is quite true. But, why is this? There is something very important for us to learn here! No one of us is able to grasp fully how God is present in our life. The constancy of meditating, of pondering, of keeping thoughts before our mind's eye is necessary if we would learn to live in God's presence. The repetition serves to remind us of the meaning behind the word "meditate". It implies a constant ruminating (like a cow chewing its cud!). It means a continuous muttering, keeping this word, this presence of God in our mind and on our lips. Similar to the idea in Psalm 1 of the blessings that comes to one who ponders the word of God "day and night".

Psalm 119 begins as does Psalm 1 pronouncing "blessed" the one who walks in the law of the Lord. In Hebrew, Ashre is translated as "Happy" or "Blessed". This psalm and the entire Psalter begins with this word. We are familiar with the Beatitudes in the Gospel where the key to living a full life in God are set out. There are 26 such "Beatitudes" in the Psalter. Then as now, how to discover the way to a full and happy life is something of a preoccupation. It becomes a matter of choice: The ways, commands, decrees, voice, promise of God OR the dictates of our own reason!

As the Psalm continues, another word that catches my thought is the word "way" or "path" (Derek in Hebrew). As we link this word with the story of Israel, "way" calls to mind the wilderness wandering under the watchful care of God. The "way" marked out for Israel was unknown and uncharted. Each day required trust in God alone just as the desert times of life also demand of us total trust that God guides the way. Derek can suggest the way of the birds of the air or the fish of the sea - a way that leaves no trace behind! Such is the "way" of God's mysterious presence and his providential care for us. Another meaning has to do with the choices set out before us. Which "way" will we take? Implied in this is a dynamic and daily response to God along our pilgrim way. If you think about this, how necessary is it for each one to listen intently to the movements of life. Each day will require something new of us. Our relationship with God is following a rhythm that is sometimes imperceptible and never static. Do you see how much more demanding is this understanding of "law"? It is not a simple list of rules, but a dynamic and creative relationship that makes daily demands, giving and taking as any important relationship requires.

"Seeking" is another word that goes hand in hand with the thoughts we are considering here in this psalm; "Happy those…who seek the Lord with all their heart" (vs 2). The final verse of Psalm 119 makes God the subject of the search: "I have wandered like a lost sheep; seek out your servant…" Are we ever finished "seeking"? The Word of God is always inviting us into new places in our search for God. In truth, God's greatness can only be made known to us gradually. We need patience and trust to be about this search.

We read in the Gospel of John: "The way we may be sure we know him, is to keep his commandments". We might hear these words and think that there are only 10 of these to keep! Our understanding of discipleship is enriched by our reflection on Psalm 119. TORAH is the "word" that providentially and lovingly directed Israel on its way. For us, the WORD that directs us is Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, the fullness of God's revelation to humanity. Our daily listening and response to life must be guided by constant listening and attentiveness to this Word if we are to learn how to walk in God's way, seek his presence and find lasting blessedness.