I am using our alphabet to correspond to the Hebrew alphabet acrostic as a way to break up the longest Psalm in the Bible into bite sized pieces for understanding and internal consumption. So far, this is working beautifully as God’s Holy Spirit teaches us how to humbly walk with God in all His ways.  The more we read His Word the more we hunger to read and understand more.  God’s Word is Light in a dark world that centers all things on self. 

Notice the word, “remember”,used often in this Psalm as well as throughout the Bible.  That particular word was most pronounced as Moses delivered the first Word of God, known to all as the Ten Commandments.  Remember was a huge part of these commandments as God wanted them to remember who He was—the One who brought them out of the Egyption world of worshipping many gods, as slaves driven unmercifully to work beyond human abilities, to be free to worship Him alone.  He not only set them free by powerful, miraculous acts that brought the Egyptians to their knees and leaders and their soldiers to a watery grave; God promised a new land to go to and live well—if only they would remember—in gratitude—for all He had delivered them from—slavery to darkness. 

When we remember what God has done for us, what is our first response?  Do we take time to remember daily the greatness and majesty of God?  Do we take advantage of God and forget to thank Him?  Or do we humble and gratefully “hang on His words to us for dear life”?  His Words are Life!  Pause to give thanks.

Psalm 119:49-56, The Message

ז Zayin

Remember what you said to me, your servant—
    I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times;
    yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
The haters hate me without mercy,
    but I don’t budge from your revelation.
I watch for your ancient landmark words,
    and know I’m on the right track.
But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,
    I’m beside myself with anger.
I set your instructions to music
    and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
I meditate on your name all night, God,
    treasuring your revelation, O God.
Still, I walk through a rain of derision
    because I live by your Word and counsel.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

The Psalmist is presenting a wonderful personal testimony, filled with HOPE, as he remembers all that God has done and is doing in his life. Gratitude flows from our hearts as we remember.

Think about it –when we remember God for who He is first and then recall all He has done in and through us in the past—HOPE rises within us!  Hope of real, abundant and eternal life was given through the gift of God’s Son, Jesus who died on a cross for all who were and are slaves to sin and imprisoned in darkness of evil. Jesus who was without sin, was the true Light who came for one purpose.  He was sent into a darkened world to stand in the sinners’ place for the punishment for all the sins of the world.  Sin has to rectified. Sin debt has to be paid.

It is Jesus, God’s Son, who willingly and obediently took the abuse of mocking, beatings beyond recognition, then suffered the same shame and humiliation of a criminal caught up in sin and then nailed to a cross on a hill for all to see publicly.  Jesus took all our sins on His bleeding shoulders, the sins that pierced the heart of God, and carried them to the cross.  Jesus was the once and for all sacrifice for all who would believe then and now—all the world, not just a select group—all who would believe—and remember.

But that’s not all!  When sin was paid in full, God looked down on His Son who died and with the power that created the world with mere words—God raised His Son to life—sins of the world removed but with the scars still evident from Jesus’ work of salvation for all who would believe.  Yes, we remember.  With humbled hearts, we remember.  Let me catch my breath as I remember the truth of what Jesus did that I could not do for myself—remove all my sin.

 “I meditate on your name all night, God, treasuring your revelation, O God.”  That is probably why I wake to your instructions set to music each morning.  I believe.  I love you back.  I am grateful beyond words because I remember…

Lord,

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

And here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me…(Chris Tomlin)
 

Thank you, Lord for dying and rising again in victory to set us free from darkness.  Thank you for saving my soul and making me whole.  To you be all glory forever!

In Jesus Name, Amen

King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly you came to the earth you created
All for love’s sake became poor

[Chorus]
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me