Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. To read it all in one setting takes a good chunk of time. The psalm focuses on the value of God’s Word, the truth of Scripture, and the benefits of spending time within its pages.

Some scholars believe that Ezra the priest wrote Psalm 119, while others attribute the work to King David. Regardless, the author left us with a myriad of reasons underscoring the immense value of our Bible. Here’s a few verses that stood out to me from my reading this morning:

I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

I look at worthless things all day, my news feed and social media and advertising and entertainment among them. All slowly rotting my brain. Better to read or listen to my Bible and reap the benefits of peacefulness, an expanding soul, deeper understanding, and true life.

I can either enfuse my life with the slithery ideas of our modern moment, or the timeless truths bound in this glorious work. It’s my choice, and Psalm 119 gives me reason after reason after reason to choose the Good Book.

Psalm 119:32, 37, 105, 130, 165

Photo by Vladimir Fedotov