Conditions For Being Blessed - Psalm 119:2

2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart – Psalm 119:2

Blessed are they—Verse 2 begins as verse 1, continuing the theme of the blessed. Notice that being “blessed” is in the present tense. No doubt, we will receive great and wonderful blessings from God in heaven, but this does not mean we cannot enjoy a taste of some of those blessings now. But if we are to enjoy the blessings of God, there are two requirements:

First, [those] Who keep his statues—“keep” signifies to watch or to guard. The thought is of one guarding something of great value, such as a treasure. To guard something means to at least have some notion of the value of what is being guarded. It also indicates a desire to retain what is being guarded. Where are these treasures? They are found in the statues of God. The idea is that the blessed are holding the Word of God close to their hearts because of its immense value and also are allowing the Word to “guard” their lives from any form of moral failure.

Statues – When referred to the Word of God it is always plural. It speaks of not just one commandment or law, but everything. As I mentioned in a previous blog, there are at least eight synonyms for the Word of God in this Psalm and “statues” is one of them. The word actually means, “to set up.” It carries the idea of setting up a standard for others to heed to and follow.

His – What makes these laws of great and awesome value is that it all belongs to God. They are not laws for God to keep, but laws given by God for us to keep. The Word of God reveals God’s will. The commands and statues offer us protection from the consequences of bad choices and direction in life. To avoid them is to do so at our own peril.

Second [to those who] “seek Him” – This is very important, please don’t miss this. It is one thing to seek after the things God offers, it is totally another to seek God Himself. Often people will seek God in order to find relief from their pain or struggle. Or they will seek Him for healing, or some wisdom or counsel. Nothing wrong with these things. But as we begin to grow more mature in our walk with the Lord, believers should transcend their search and simply seek God Himself just to get to know Him better and more deeper.

“with all their heart” – No great and major accomplishment by man was ever achieve with a half-hearted effort. No one plays to win a championship football or baseball game with a half-hearted effort. Likewise, when seeking God, do not give it your half-hearted effort. Seek the Lord with all your heart. Throw your heart over the line and seek the Lord passionately and whole-heartedly.

God requires that we seek Him with our whole heart. This also applies to serving the Lord. 12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul (Duet. 10:12 NIV). The Lord will allow our hearts to be broken, but never divided.

Summary: You and I can be found in the company of the blessed, provided we “keep His statues,” and “seek Him with all of our heart.”