Psalm 119:Dalet

Eating our way through Psalm 119 we come to Dalet (dah'- let) -- the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and the the headliner of the fourth stanza.

Read Psalm 119:25-32

Dalet is for "way", as in a road or path... the way you journey.

Gimmel opened our eyes to the truth that we are transients traveling through hostile territory. Dalet reveals the truth of our ways and then shows us a better one...

My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! Psalm 119: 25, 26 ESV

Five times in these eight verses the dalet word for way/road/path is used. It's important to know the way we're going because our path determines our destination. Even aimless wandering leads somewhere, as does walking in the dark. (I don't recommend either of these ways if you have someplace in particular you want to go.)

God's Word reveals the condition and destination of our way: a sinful path that leads to death. Apart from God and His direction we end up in bad places.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12

Through God's Word the psalmist recognizes the destructive nature of his path, and he is "laid low in the dust"! The light of Scripture will do the same for us. But God's Word does not leave us in the dirt with no hope. His law also shows us the way to life, redemption, and forgiveness.

My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Psalm 119:28 ESV

God cannot be deceived -- He is the source of Truth. We, on the other hand, are easily deceived, and often live our lives based on lies. His Word guides us to truth.

Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! Psalm 119:29 ESV

God's Word reveals the way to freedom and release from sin and death!

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32 NIV

You have a choice. God's way or your own way.

Reality or lies.

Light or dark.

Freedom or captivity.

Life or death.

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

Proverbs 4:18, 19 NIV

What way will you choose?

Psalm 119:Gimmel

The third letter of the Aleph-Bet is Gimmel (geeh-mel), and brings us to the third stanza of Psalm 119.

Read Psalm 119:17-24

Gimmel is for "stranger" or "sojourner" -- a temporary resident.

I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. Psalm 119:19

God's Word becomes immensely precious to us when we realize that we are transients traveling through hostile territory. Once we have surrendered to Jesus, the one true Lord, we become His servants and His way is the way of safety. Jesus opens our eyes to the truth of our reality. Things are not as they appear to be.

Since the Fall (not the season but the act of sin committed by Adam and Eve in the Garden) people, whom God gave rule over the world (Genesis 1:28), traded their Heavenly Father for the "father of lies" (John 8:44) by listening to the devil rather than obeying God. Since then Satan has been the "prince of this world" (John 12:31). An arrangement which God has allowed for a time, honoring the choice of those He created.

However, this arrangement makes the world a dangerous place for those who follow Jesus. God's Word provides the direction and solace we need as we travel.

Those who do not know God and live their lives deceived by the enemy heap scorn and contempt on God's people. The "rulers sit together and slander" followers of Christ. But we must remember that people are NOT the enemy.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

The battleground we walk through is not physical...it is spiritual. We are fighting an unseen enemy, one we can only discern through the power of the Holy Spirit. We do not fight the way the world does, our weapons are spiritual weapons filled with divine power (2Corinthians 10:4).

Journeying through this world entrenched in spiritual warfare, obedience to God's Word keeps us on the path of life (v. 17). Keeping His statutes cleanses our wounds and heals the battle scars (v. 22). God's Word is our counselor and a source of delight (v. 24), an encouragement to face the daily battle. Ask God to open your eyes that you might see wonderful things in His law (Psalm 110:18).

Arm yourself with Scripture.

...the sword of the Spirit... is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17