We are journaling through the Bible this year to learn about God’s promises. 90 of God’s promises have already been inscribed if you joined us in January. This month, we’ll learn about thirty more of God’s promises found in the Bible.
One of the verses we are journaling this month is Psalms 119:165
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalms 119:165
~Background ~
Psalm 119 is one of many acrostic poems found in the Bible. Its 176 verses are divided into 22 books, which make up the Hebrew alphabet.
One of the eight basic words for the Holy Scripture can be found in almost every verse. Although the definitions of the words are somewhat different, they are comparable to one another.
* Law, Torah, teach or instruct
* Testimony, edot, witness
* Precepts, piqqudim, properly appointed
* Statute, huqqim, engrave, or inscribe
* Commandment, mitsvah, right to give orders
* Word, dabar, spoken word
* Judgments, mishpat, regulate or discern
* Word, imrah, anything God has spoken, commanded, or promised
* Law, Torah, teach or instruct
* Testimony, edot, witness
* Precepts, piqqudim, properly appointed
* Statute, huqqim, engrave, or inscribe
* Commandment, mitsvah, right to give orders
* Word, dabar, spoken word
* Judgments, mishpat, regulate or discern
* Word, imrah, anything God has spoken, commanded, or promised
“This wonderful psalm, from its great length, helps us to wonder at the immensity of Scripture. From its keeping to one subject it helps us to adore the unity of Scripture; for it is but one. Yet, from the many turns it gives to the same thought, it helps you to see the variety of Scripture…. Some have said that in it there is an absence of variety, but that is merely the observation of those who have not studied it. I have weighed each word, and looked at each syllable with lengthened meditation; and I bear witness that this sacred song has no tautology in it, but is charmingly varied from beginning to end. Its variety is that of a kaleidoscope: from a few objects a boundless variation is produced. In the kaleidoscope you look once, and there is a strangely beautiful form. You shift the glass a very little, and another shape, equally delicate and beautiful, is before your eyes. So it is here.” (Charles Spurgeon)
The psalmist’s deep love for the law had positive effects on his life. He experienced wonderful serenity and stability as a result (nothing causes them to stumble).
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. Shalom means peace in English, but it has much more meaning in Hebrew. Shalom is a greeting or farewell phrase in Israel. You are wishing for happiness, health, and prosperity to be in the life of the receiver.
Real biblical Shalom refers to an internal sense of completion or wholeness. The majority of biblical passages speak of inner wholeness and tranquility, although they may also express the lack of violence.
Isaiah said, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee..” (Isaiah 26:3) Perfect Peace is Shaleem Shalom.
Peace thus derives from a term that also denotes entire, whole, and complete. This is not a happenstance. The ultimate peace that Jesus offers and that Isaiah talks of is the result of an interior effort. It is a labor in our inner hearts that makes us fully whole and unaffected by external circumstances.
When we can maintain our composure in the midst of a crisis, we are becoming more like Christ. When nothing is going well and our hearts are completely content, we are holding fast to the peace that Jesus promises. When life seems to be spinning out of control all around us, we can cling to the Anchor which is steadfast and sure (Hebrews 6:19). This is the enduring peace we all desire.
This perfect peace is a state of inner freedom from disturbance; it is absolute harmony that rules within. In a soul that is filled with peace, there can be no room for anything that might disturb the heart, such as jealousy, envy, discontentment, anger, selfishness, conceit, or prejudice.
God’s peace comes to us through Jesus Christ, His Spirit, His Word, our obedience, and an ample amount of prayer and praise. Those who keep their mind steadfast on the Lord and trust completely in Him will find perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). When we are “stayed upon Jehovah,” as the hymn writer puts it, our hearts will be completely blessed, and only then will we discover the perfect peace and rest He has promised.
You can download/print a copy of the April Scripture Journaling Plan here:
https://charitymaeprosper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JS-April.pdf
References:
https://firmisrael.org/learn/the-meaning-of-shalom
https://www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-5-how-to-experience-perfect-peace/
