The ABCs of Treasured Truth
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What Do You Treasure?
What do you treasure? What is it that you value and cherish most in life? Perhaps it's people who you're close with, which is good, or it may be status or riches. Or do you treasure what is more internal and spiritual?
Whatever we hold closest in our hearts reveals what governs our lives. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt 6:21 NIV)
What we treasure, even if unaware of it, is what occupies our thoughts and hearts most of the time. If we worry about things or are fearful much of the time, that becomes our focus rather than what is most beneficial for us.
The Lord understands this about us. He understands whatever turmoil may churn inside us. Both desire and dread displace the peace of God that is the result of implicitly trusting the Lord with our lives in every way.
Back to the initial question — What do you treasure? Perhaps a better question is — What do I need to treasure so I will fully trust the Lord with my whole heart, mind, and life?
Scripture
Blessed are those whose lives have integrity, those who follow the teachings of the Lord.
Blessed are those who obey his written instructions. They wholeheartedly search for him. They do nothing wrong. They follow his directions.
You have commanded that your guiding principles be carefully followed.
I pray that my ways may become firmly established so that I can obey your laws. Then I will never feel ashamed when I study all your commandments.
I will give thanks to you as I learn your regulations, which are based on your righteousness.
I will obey your laws. Never abandon me. [vss 1-8—Aleph]
How can a young person keep his life pure? He can do it by holding on to your word.
I wholeheartedly searched for you. Do not let me wander away from your commandments.
I have treasured your promise in my heart so that I may not sin against you. Thanks be to you, O Lord. Teach me your laws.
With my lips I have repeated every regulation that comes from your mouth.
I find joy in the way shown by your written instructions more than I find joy in all kinds of riches.
I want to reflect on your guiding principles and study your ways. Your laws make me happy. I never forget your word. [vss 9-16—Beth]
Be kind to me so that I may live and hold on to your word. Uncover my eyes so that I may see the miraculous things in your teachings.
I am a foreigner in this world. Do not hide your commandments from me. My soul is overwhelmed with endless longing for your regulations.
You threaten arrogant people, who are condemned and wander away from your commandments.
Remove the insults and contempt that have fallen on me because I have obeyed your written instructions.
Even though influential people plot against me, I reflect on your laws.
Indeed, your written instructions make me happy. They are my best friends. [vss 17-24—Gimel]
(Psalms 119:1-24 GW) [Context– Psalm 119]
Reflections and Insights
Psalm 119 is the longest of all the Psalms. It has 176 verses! It's also laid out as an acrostic where each verse starts with the same letter in each stanza for all 22 characters of the Hebrew alphabet.
The first 24 verses begin with the Hebrew letters—Aleph, Beth, and Gimel—and are similar to the first three letters of the English alphabet—A, B, C.
This ancient poetic form provided a structure that was memorable and instructional. Using the whole alphabet shows completeness, as the English expression goes—"from A to Z." Each stanza of eight verses reinforces the theme of treasuring the Word or Law of God.
Woven around this theme are confessions of faith and failure, pleas and prayers, and promises and assurances. These thoughts are intended to stir reflection and encourage meditation on the truth of God's Word and what it reveals about God Himself and His promises.
Several verses stand out to me and are memorable because they represent the psalm's theme. I encourage you to read all 176 verses, but here's one that sums up the intent and purpose of this instructional psalm —
I have treasured your promise in my heart so that I may not sin against you. (Psa 119:11 GW)
We find another familiar verse representative of Psalm 119 in the 14th stanza of Psalm 119 (the letter nun) —
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psa 119:105 GW)
When we treasure the truth of God in our hearts, it will guard us and guide us. This enables us to fully trust the Lord in all things and in all ways throughout our lives.
Reflection—
Have you learned to trust your life to Him who lives forever? Look beyond the dim shadows of this life by faith as you entrust your life to the One who lives forever! Treasure the truth of God’s Word in your heart and meditate on it daily.
Prayer Focus—
When you realize the peace of God is missing in your life, ask the Lord to help you refocus your attention on Him and the truth of His Word. Seek the Lord’s guidance in prayer and through the Word of God.
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