Scroll through your Facebook feed and you’re likely to find strongly held opinions on every side of every issue. Full-throated support of President Biden is followed by someone cringing at his latest statement. Skepticism about the seriousness of the current COVID wave is followed by a heartfelt account of survival after weeks in the hospital struggling against the virus. And of course some people are rejoicing at the Supreme Court’s decision to return the question of abortion to the states, while others lament the loss of what they consider to be important rights for women. How can we know whom to trust anymore?

Well, if column inches are any reliable measure of an author’s priorities, we should look first to the Holy Scriptures, because the longest chapter in the Bible is about the Bible. In fact, even the format of Psalm 119 argues for its comprehensiveness. The first eight verses all begin with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the second eight with the second letter, and the pattern continues all the way to the end of the alphabet, with the last eight verses beginning with the last letter. If we were to express it in English, we’d say that this Psalm covers the topic of Scripture from A to Z.

So, what claims does the Bible make for itself? That following its precepts will help a young man keep his way pure (v. 9). That it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (v. 105). That it is steady and unmoving, settled forever in the heavens (v. 89). That it is pure (v. 140). That it is truth (v. 142). What better source of guidance could we want, especially in such dark and confusing times?

It’s no wonder that, over and over again, the psalmist expresses his love for God’s law (v. 97). He says God’s Word is sweeter than honey to him (v. 103), and that it is the joy of his heart (v. 111). As we meditate on this psalm today, may we recover some of this wonder (v. 27), this joy in the simple fact that our Creator has spoken to us in ways we can understand, welcoming us into a fuller relationship with Himself, the One Who loves us so much.

Psalm 119:1-16 (NASB)

How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart.
3 They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways.
4 Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, That we should keep them diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be established To keep Thy statutes!
6 Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Thy commandments.
7 I shall give thanks to Thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn Thy righteous judgments.
8 I shall keep Thy statutes; Do not forsake me utterly!
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word.
10 With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments.
11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee.
12 Blessed art Thou, O LORD; Teach me Thy statutes.
13 With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Thy precepts, And regard Thy ways.
16 I shall delight in Thy statutes; I shall not forget Thy word.