Reflections on Faith and Meditation

Last September, I decided for the first time to start a journal. To reinforce my

decision, I made an investment of £15 in a new journal and £50 in a new Bible—£65

of investment to underline my decision and serious intent. I then knew that I needed

to have a clear focus and direction in where my writings would take me.

So, on the 9th of September 2024, I started to read a psalm every day first thing in

the morning, after brushing my teeth and before breakfast! I read and write my

thoughts, emotions, and meditations in my journal. I love it! I’m working my way

through Psalm 119, the longest psalm, with its 176 verses split into 24 sections, each

starting with the first word of the Hebrew alphabet.

The practice has become a cornerstone of my daily routine. Each morning, as the

dawn breaks, I, allow the psalmist's words to guide my thoughts and reflections. The deliberate act of writing down my meditations has brought a new dimension to my spiritual journey, anchoring my day in purpose and contemplation.

The last three days have taken me through verses 81-104. I thought I would share

some of the intensity, longing, and desire of a person who has wrapped themselves

in the words and commands of God.

Building a Daily Ritual

This habit of reading and writing each morning has become a sanctuary of peace

and introspection. It is a space where I can confront my innermost thoughts,

celebrate my victories, and seek solace in moments of uncertainty. This daily

practice has instilled a sense of discipline and revelation qualities that are impacting

all aspects of my life.

So, I’m going to reflect on these verses exactly as I wrote them down and pray that

Holy Spirit moves you too. I haven’t put the verses in here because when you read

them, it may speak so differently to you and that’s how it should.

Reach up! Look up, child!

Psalm 119 v81-88

This section deals with the psalmist's deep longing for God: -

• For his salvation

• For God’s promise to be fulfilled

• For God’s unfailing love to preserve his life

It's an emotional cry from the heart, but it’s focused on a trust and an expectancy that God will rescue him from people who desire to do him wrong, to trap him, to wipe

him from the face of the earth.

I prayed.

• Lord, strengthen me in the days of my comfort

• Lord, strengthen me to never lose sight of where all my security and help

  comes from.

• Lord, strengthen me in the ups and downs of my emotions

• Lord, teach me your ways!

• Lord, align me stronger to your word

• Lord, may my heart, soul, and spirit agree with you. That I would be

delighted with what is shown to me – in the days of my life.

• I desire to understand what you desire for me

• I pray not to be worn down by discouragement, by the feeling of never quite

being good enough by the standards of people, by carrying other people’s

disappointments of me. I fling that off – I can’t carry that at all!

But Lord, you preserve my life! In your unfailing love.

Thank you, Yahweh, Papa!

I know where my help comes from!

Psalm 119: 89-96

This is a firm put it out there statement of fact and affirmation that the word of God is true and trustworthy. There are no ifs, no buts or maybe’s no conditions or

uncertainties – God is totally correct in all His ways.

1. His word is eternal

2. It stands firm

3. He is faithful through all generations

4. He established the earth, and it continues

5. Your laws, your ways, endure to this day

6. All things serve you

7. If it wasn’t for you, your word, I would have perished

8. You have preserved my life

9. Save me, for I am yours

10. To all perfection, there is a limit – but your commands are boundless

Ten statements. Ten the number of completion, and divine order, and divine

perfection.

Thank you, Yahweh, Papa.

He comes in the clouds wrapped in light!

Psalm 119: 97-104

These are the words of a man who has wrapped himself in the words of God. A man

who has found profound joy in contemplating and obeying His ways.

They have made him -

• Wise

• Insightful

• Understanding

They have kept him from

• Evil

• From departing from God because God Himself has taught him.

He has learned to love the word of God -It is sweet to him, sweeter than honey in his

mouth.

As he gains an understanding of the word of God, he knows what is right, what is

wrong, and he loves the right and hates what’s wrong.

There is such wisdom and integrity in these words that fall from the writer’s mouth.

Such clear alignment and desire to want to be close to God. It is so relational, so

faith-filled, rather than a duty that is merely religious.

May I draw inspiration from these verses and give Him honour and praise.

Thank you, Yahweh, Papa.