Psalm 119: What Have We Done?

JOSHUA ALEXANDER

What we have done, and what will we do?

Continuing our series through the 119th Psalm, the second letter of the Hebrew Alphabet is the letter “Beth.” In this section of scripture, there are two main focuses of thought. The first section looks back at what the attitude of the Psalmist has been. The second section looks forward to what the Psalmist’s attitude will be. With the upcoming new year, let’s compare what this Psalm has to say to our attitudes this past year and what they will be in the next.

What have we done in 2022 (10-11, 13-14)?

He has sought God with his whole heart (10). The Psalmist can look back on what he was done and conclude that his devotion to God has been with his entire heart. Nothing has gotten in the way of his wholly seeking God. While we reflect on how we have lived our lives in the past year, we could point out a lot of good. There are many people here whose lives communicate that they have been seeking God with their whole hearts. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

He has hidden the word of God in his heart so that he will not sin against God (11). He has hidden the best book, in the best place, for the best purpose. The word of God can transform our lives from the inside out. As we consider the good done this past year, we cannot help but think of the wonderful people around us who have hidden God’s word in their hearts and brightly influenced this congregation's loving culture. I am so thankful for the amazing people whose love and attitude make this congregation what it is.

He has declared all the judgments of God (13). Not only has the Psalmist hidden the word of God in his heart, but he has also declared the judgments of God boldly without hesitation. This congregation is dedicated to standing on the truth without backing down. That is something for which you need to be commended. It is so encouraging to know that with so much uncertainty in the world, this congregation has decided to stand for the truth no matter the circumstances.

He has rejoiced in the way of the Lord (14). In contrast with the ways of the world, the ways of the Lord are righteous and holy. The Psalmist rejoices in God’s way, for he knows that God’s ways are the ways that lead to life. When our delight is in God’s ways, it changes our outlook on life on shapes our priorities. This mindset is how we become the salt and the light that our master has called us to be (Mat. 5:13-16).

What will we do in 2023 (15-16)?

He will meditate on God’s precepts and have respect for God’s ways (15). Many people will make new years resolutions to lose weight, to get a promotion at work, and things of this sort. There is nothing wrong with setting personal goals for ourselves, but I want to encourage us all this year to set a resolution that sets our sights on things above.

What does it mean to have respect for God’s ways? This respect is seen through our actions and attitudes. There are a lot of good works that the church could do this next year. We can walk into this new year with confidence that we can do anything we set our minds to do since our God is with us. This congregation has so much potential, and it is exciting to think about everything that can be done in this new year.

He will delight himself in God’s statutes and will not forget God’s word (16). The Psalmist has made it a point to not only follow God’s word but ensure that his delight is in the word of God. Have you ever been strengthened by fellowship with the saints? One thing that makes this congregation special is the kind of fellowship that exists here. Fellowship is a command from God (Acts 2:42), and the type of fellowship we enjoy at this congregation can fill our hearts with joy and make our lives much more enjoyable.

As we consider what we have done this past year and what we will do in the new year, let us make it a point to put God’s ways in front of our ways, making it a priority to consider God’s word in all that we do. We can look back on this past year and be proud of all the hard work that has been done here, and we can look into this next year and be excited about all the good works we can do.