The exquisite uniqueness of Psalm 119 is that its composer uses each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet to sing an octave of praise to God’s Word. Shin is the twenty-first letter.
Its tribute begins with a threefold statement of the proper attitude—reverence, joy, and love—you should have toward the inspired text. “Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word. I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure. I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law” (vv. 161-163).
This godly attitude toward Scripture results in praise, peace, hope, and joyful obedience. “Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments. Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble. Lord, I hope for Your salvation, and I do Your commandments. My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly. I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies for all my ways are before You” (vv. 164-168).
“Attitude is everything” is true about many things in life, including God’s Word.
“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).
