Psalm 119:4-8 You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently. 5 Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes! 6 Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments. 7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. 8 I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly! This is another example of the ABCBA structure! I’m running out of time this morning, but it’s there! The centerpiece: 6 Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments. (The rest of the verses tell how to keep from being ashamed when I realize how poorly I am able to keep God’s commands.) The “Book ends”: You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently. and 8 I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly! (He commands, and I obey) The climb and how to get there: 5 Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes! and 7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. (A prayer to be solidly established in keeping God’s ways, as well as to learn His right decisions, which leads to praise – I have an upright heart because I keep His statutes) So, knowing and being obedient to do what God commands leads me in His way of living and lets me praise Him with an upright heart. He will not forsake me!