by Pete Jansen

Psalm 119 forever changed how I read the Bible and walk with God.

A New Beginning

When I first asked Jesus into my life, I didn’t have a church, a mentor, or even a Christian friend. Most of what I knew about spirituality came from reading other religious literature—from Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and even books on Eastern religions. But something inside me said, If I’ve read all of that, shouldn’t I read the Bible too?

So, I began reading. And I got stuck. It was hard to understand. But the more I pressed on, the more certain parts began to make sense—and those truths helped explain the parts I struggled with.

Wrestling with Truth

I gravitated toward the New Testament. After all, it was about Jesus. Then I read something that shifted everything:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16–17

God’s Word could correct me, instruct me, and equip me. That’s what I needed.

Then I found John 14:21:

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.”

I was beginning to see that loving Jesus meant loving His Word. But I also found myself at a crossroads.

Some things in the Bible were easy to believe—like loving God and your neighbor. Others? Not so much. Walking on water? Raising the dead? I was confused, and without realizing it, I started telling the Lord my doubts.

Then came a decision: Either the Bible was entirely true, or it wasn’t. There could be no halfway. If it wasn’t all true, how could I know which parts to believe? Andif I couldn’t trust it, why bother?

So, I made a choice: I determined to believe all of it—even the parts I didn’t understand.

Learning to Trust

One of the first verses I ever memorized was Proverbs 3:5–6:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

And God has done just that. He’s directed my path through His Word, andeventually that led me to Psalm 119.

Psalm 119: A Love Letter to the Word

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible—and its theme is the Bible itself. It uses terms like law, testimony, commandments, statutes, and precepts to describe God’s Word. Each of its 22 sections begins with a letter from the Hebrew alphabet, forming an acrostic that speaks of the power and purpose of Scripture.

Verse 9 captures the heart of it:

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.”

The Hebrew word for “heed” is shamar, meaning to guard, observe, or keep. If you want to live a clean, godly life, start with guarding and keeping God’s Word.

Other verses build on this:

· Hide His word in your heart (v.11)

· Meditate on His precepts (v.15)

· Delight in His statutes (v.16)

· Don’t wander from His commandments (v.10)

Psalm 119 doesn’t just praise Scripture—it shows us how to live by it.

When You Don’t Understand

Reading the Bible can be challenging. I know—I’ve been there. But Psalm 119 also teaches us how to ask God for help:

· “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” (v.18)

· “Make me understand the way of Your precepts.” (v.27)

· “Teach me Your statutes.” (v.26)

It’s okay to not understand everything at once. Ask. Meditate. Pray. God promises to guide those who seek Him.

Revival Comes Through the Word

The Psalmist struggled—just like we do.

· “My soul clings to the dust…” (v.25)

· “My soul melts from heaviness…” (v.28)

And how did he recover? By praying through the Word:

· “Revive me according to Your word.” (v.25, v.37, v.50)

· “Strengthen me…” (v.28)

God’s Word brings life and liberty. It renews the soul, brings wisdom to the simple, and shines light on our path (v.105).

Let This Sink In:

“All Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.” (v.128) “Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it.” (v.140)

Final Thought

Psalm 119 offers a rich roadmap for faith, spiritual growth, navigating hardship, and discovering joy. Over the next five days, consider reading through this psalm slowly and prayerfully. Each day, focus on a few sections, following its natural divisions by the Hebrew alphabet, beginning with Aleph, then Beth, and so on. Take time to reflect and journal your thoughts on each portion. Let God’s Word renew your mind and remind you of who He is.

Pete Jansen is an everyday disciplemaker, retired pastor and lover of God’s creation. He and his wife Glenda live in beautiful Logan Lake, BC.