The Awesomeness of God

Photo Credit: Sammy Wong

February 4, 2026

Dear Praying Friends,

Imagine standing at the bottom of the 350-foot Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River in Africa. You are somewhat protected from the heavy weight of the thunderous water cascading over the precipice high above. You are not directly under the crushing torrent, yet you are close enough to reach out your hand and feel the spray on your face.

That rushing waterfall is something like the wonder of Psalm 119 — or, to be more specific, the awesomeness of the God of Psalm 119. We reach out and touch His greatness, but inwardly realize we are only on the fringes, catching the spray of His glory.

Psalm 119 is the longest of all the psalms. It would take the average reader about 30 minutes to read. Yet contained within those 176 verses is a wealth of truth, like a great waterfall where we can feel the refreshing mist without being crushed by the full weight of divine revelation.

Over the next number of articles, we will consider the 22 sections of this Psalm, which correspond to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza begins with a successive letter, forming a beautiful acrostic of praise and devotion.

For this introductory devotional, I want you to discover the awesomeness of God’s glory as it is revealed through the eight key words consistently used throughout the Psalm to describe the Word of God:

LAW — The writer says, “Oh how I love your law” (Psalm 119:97 ESV). He is referring to the Torah; it’s a word that means instruction. God’s glory is seen in the way He lovingly teaches His people how to live.

TESTIMONIES — Depending on the translation, this word can sometimes appear as “statutes,” but it primarily refers to God’s faithful witness across the generations. The psalmist says, “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” (Psalm 119:111). This term highlights God’s covenant faithfulness.

WAYS — This speaks of the glory of God’s character in action. When God’s holiness and love are demonstrated in His dealings with His people, He is glorified. Likewise, when we live out His character by the power of His life within us, He is exalted. The author prays, “Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law” (Psalm 119:29).

PRECEPTS — The word precept carries the idea of personal care and oversight. God’s precepts are carefully given instructions that reflect the glory of His attentiveness to our lives. They are so personal and precious that the psalmist says, “I will meditate on your precepts” (Psalm 119:15).

STATUTES — Some versions use the word decrees. This term displays the sovereign authority of God’s glory, reminding us that His commands are fixed and enduring. Verse 152 declares, “Your statutes endure forever.”

COMMANDMENTS — Commands are meant to be obeyed. This word highlights the glory of God’s rightful kingship. In the Christian life, obedience is not a forced obligation but a joyful response to Someone we deeply love. The writer says, “With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments” (Psalm 119:10).

WORD — Verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Here we see the glory of God’s spoken Word revealing His creative and sustaining power. His speech gives light, stability, and life.

PROMISE — This word reveals the glory of God’s trustworthiness, often experienced in the midst of suffering. It emphasizes His reliability and faithfulness in keeping His word. “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life” (Psalm 119:50).

As we reach out and touch the falling water of this magnificent Psalm, we will discover that God draws us into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Himself. This is ultimately what we want — and what we most need.

Thank you for praying for revival among us and for the prodigals around us.

Warmly in Christ’s name,

Bryan and Rachel