Psalms 119:1-8

While many will view it as a dissertation on faith and the law, this collection of related prayers in Psalms 119 is in fact just that, prayers. The perspective is the author desires desperately to always be right with God, and you get the impression it spans both sides of his life. Pronouncements of faithfulness are never left by themselves, but sprinkled in with the humility of a man who knows without the Lord even his righteous deeds would be nothing.

As we discover together what a plain reading of the Psalms will lead us to, try to worship and speak to the Lord as the Psalmist would.

Broken up into the letters of the Hebrew which I’ll leave for all the other books written about the subject, we find each prayer organized into unique thoughts

Section: Aleph

The first prayer is, of course, central to the theme of the entire psalm. The psalmist observes what he desires: that the follower of God is happy when he or she is in harmony with the Lord and His ways.

Then the middle of the psalm stands out as an inflection point. For until then, the prayer was a testimony to what is, but then, in prayer, the author recalls that the Lord commanded all this. That is why there is a sharp drop-off in confidence. On the other hand, there was not confidence before but rather reminiscence throughout the prayers.

If you were to read the thoughts this way, the author glories in the joy that comes from the character of the godly. He recalls that this character is actually a commandment, which results in the author crying out for assistance. That truly is the theme of the psalm. It is not so much a vindicated proclamation of having won the fight as it is the author understanding his dependency on the Lord, even for his holiness.

Summarized notes

Those who way is blameless

Who who keep his law

Those who keep his testimonies

Who seek him with all their heart

Who do no wrong and walk in His way

You commanded

Oh May my ways be steadfast!

Then I will not be ashamed

Having my eyes fixed

I will praise you

When I learn

I will keep your statutes

Do not forsake!

Questions for Reflection or Discussion

1. Observation of the Godly Life

  • What qualities does the psalmist admire in “those whose way is blameless”? How do these qualities reflect a life in harmony with God?
  • Why do you think the psalmist repeats “who” in describing these people? What does this repetition emphasize?

2. The Shift at “You Commanded”

  • How does the statement “You commanded” change the tone of the psalm? What does it reveal about the psalmist’s understanding of these qualities?
  • Have you ever experienced a moment where something you admired became something you realized was expected of you? How did that shift feel?

3. The Plea for Steadfastness

  • Why does the psalmist ask for steadfastness after describing the ideal life? What might this suggest about his own struggles?
  • What does “having my eyes fixed” imply about the psalmist’s focus? Where do you think his eyes are fixed, and why?

4. Dependence and Praise

  • How does the psalmist connect learning, praising, and keeping God’s statutes? What role does each play in his relationship with God?
  • Why does the psalmist end with “Do not forsake me”? What does this reveal about his confidence or vulnerability?

5. Personal Connection

  • Which part of this psalm resonates most with you right now? Why?
  • How do you balance admiring a godly life with the challenge of living it yourself?

Personal Applications

  1. Pursuing a Blameless Way
    Reflect on one area of your life where you could better align with God’s ways (e.g., honesty, kindness, obedience). Take a small, practical step this week to “keep His law” in that area—perhaps by apologizing for a wrong or serving someone selflessly.
  2. Acknowledging God’s Commands
    Spend a few minutes journaling about a time you realized a good habit or trait you admired was actually something God expects of you. How does recognizing it as a “command” change your approach to it? Pray for strength to obey.
  3. Praying for Steadfastness
    Like the psalmist, write or say a short prayer asking God to make your ways steadfast in a specific situation where you feel unsteady (e.g., resisting temptation, staying patient). Revisit this prayer daily for a week and note any changes.
  4. Fixing Your Eyes
    Identify one distraction that pulls your focus away from God (e.g., worry, social media). Replace it with a habit that keeps your “eyes fixed” on Him—like reading a verse each morning or pausing to thank Him during the day.
  5. Learning and Praising
    Commit to learning one new thing about God’s character or commands this week (e.g., through Scripture, a sermon, or a conversation). Afterward, express your praise—verbally, in writing, or through a creative act like singing—and see how it deepens your connection to Him.
  6. Embracing Dependence
    When you feel overwhelmed by your shortcomings, echo the psalmist’s cry: “Do not forsake me!” Use this as a reminder that holiness isn’t self-made. Lean into God’s grace by confessing a struggle to Him or a trusted friend, asking for support.