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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I say with the psalmist, “Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules” (Ps 119:137). What a privilege it is to worship a God who is righteous in all His ways. I rest in your promise and delight in your Law. Accept my freewill offerings of praise, for I exalt your name. Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me the second half of Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the longest book of the OT. As the psalmist studied and meditated on your word, he took delight in the many benefits of Scripture. First, your law gives liberty: “And I will walk in liberty, For I seek Your precepts” (v. 45). This teaches me that liberty is the ability to do what I should, not the freedom to do what I want. The service of sin is slavery; the service of God is liberty. Those who seek “the free life” will only find it in the careful observance of your commands. Second, your law gives light: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (v. 105). This light is a light to walk by, and it will keep me from stumbling into sin. For this reason the psalmist repeatedly asked you for understanding, and he recognized that “the unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple” (v. 130). Third, your law gives life: “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life” (v. 93). Those who keep your word will be restored (v. 37) and refreshed (v. 50). Your commands bring life because they turn my heart toward you, the source of life. It’s no wonder that the psalmist rejoiced in your law: “I find my delight in your commandments, which I love” (v. 47). Like him, I too will find joy and delight in your word when I recognize that it shows me how to love you, the source of all goodness and beauty. I too will feel anger and indignation at those who reject your law when I realize how their wickedness dishonors and reviles you, the one who is worthy of my highest praise. When I love your law, I love you, for your word is a revelation of yourself. When I keep your law, I show my love for you, for Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). I say, ‘Here is my heart, enter in!’ Reflection The psalmist said, “I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word” (Ps 119:158 NIV). Am I attracted by the lifestyle of the wicked, or do I see them for who they really are? Request Father, turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Keep my steps steady according to your promise, and let no sin have dominion over me (Ps 119:132–133). Thanksgiving Thank you for being “my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” (Ps 119:111, 114). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “The Word of God” — Clara M. Brooks. Meditation Verse: Psalm 119:125. |