Thesis 32
Thanksgiving for Jesus in the Psalms
Above all the blessings for which we may praise God this Thanksgiving season is the gift of Jesus Himself. Although we can’t see Him (yet), we find Him everywhere in Scripture, including the beloved Psalms. In fact, Jesus gave a Bible study about Himself that included the Psalms (see Luke 24:44).
In Psalm 119, the longest chapter of the Bible, we see Jesus in a new way when we insert His name everywhere it fits. Consider verse 105, for example:
“Thy Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Since Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:14), we can also read that verse like this: “Jesus is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Indeed, the light of the world is also the light of our lives.
Here are other verses scattered throughout Psalm 119 that can light up with the name of Jesus:
2: Blessed are those who have Jesus, and who seek Him with their whole heart.
9: How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed to Jesus.
11: Jesus I have hid in my heart that I might not sin against You.
14: I have rejoiced in the way of Jesus, as much as in all riches.
15: I will meditate in Jesus and have respect for Your ways.
16: I will delight myself in Jesus; I will not forget Him.
17: Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and trust in Jesus.
18: Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Jesus.
19: I am a stranger in the earth; hide not Jesus from me.
24: Jesus is my delight and my counselor.
25: My soul is dragging in the dust. Give me life through Jesus.
32: I will run the way of Jesus, when You will enlarge my heart.
33: Teach me, O Lord, the way of Jesus, and I will keep it to the end.
34: Give me understanding and I will trust in Jesus, yes, I will follow Him with my whole heart.
35: Make me travel in the path of Jesus, for in that do I delight.
36: Direct my heart to Jesus, and not to covetousness.
37: Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity, and give me life in Jesus.
45: And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Jesus.
49: Remember Jesus when You think about me; upon Him You have caused me to hope.
50: This is my comfort in my affliction: Jesus has given me life.
58: I beg for Your favor with my whole heart, be merciful to me through Jesus.
67: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I follow Jesus.
71: It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn about Jesus.
77: Let Your tender mercies come to me that I may live, for Jesus is my delight.
92: Unless Jesus had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93: I will never forget Jesus, for with Him You have given me life.
94: I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Jesus.
97: O how I love Jesus! He is my meditation all the day.
104: Through Jesus I get understanding, therefore I hate every false way.
107: I am afflicted very much; give me life, O Lord, through Jesus.
111: Jesus I have taken as my heritage forever, for He is the rejoicing of my heart.
114: You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Jesus.
124: Deal with Your servant through Your mercy, and teach me about Jesus.
126: It is time for You to work, Lord, for they have disregarded Jesus.
129: Jesus is wonderful, therefore my soul trusts in Him.
133: Establish my steps in Jesus, and let not any sin have dominion over me.
134: Deliver me from the oppression of man; so will I trust in Jesus.
145: I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord, I will trust in Jesus.
146: I cried to You; save me, and I will follow Jesus.
147: I arose before the dawning of the morning and cried, I hoped in Jesus.
154: Plead my cause and deliver me, give me life through Jesus.
162: I rejoice in Jesus as one who finds great wealth.
163: I hate and despise lying, but I love Jesus.
164: Seven times a day I praise You because of Jesus.
165: Great peace have they who love Jesus, and nothing will offend them.
To summarize: All Scripture testifies of Jesus, and this is beautifully evident throughout Psalm 119. May He deeply inspire you this Thanksgiving season.
[I had this published in the North Pacific Gleaner, Nov. 2015]