Learn, love and live the word …

Psalm 119:1-48

¹ Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
² Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
³ They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
⁴ You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
⁵ Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
⁶ Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
⁷ As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
⁸ I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!

⁹ How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
¹⁰ I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
¹² I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
¹³ I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
¹⁴ I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
¹⁵ I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
¹⁶ I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.

¹⁷ Be good to your servant,
that I may live and obey your word.
¹⁸ Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your instructions.
¹⁹ I am only a foreigner in the land.
Don’t hide your commands from me!
²⁰ I am always overwhelmed
with a desire for your regulations.
²¹ You rebuke the arrogant;
those who wander from your commands are cursed.
²² Don’t let them scorn and insult me,
for I have obeyed your laws.
²³ Even princes sit and speak against me,
but I will meditate on your decrees.
²⁴ Your laws please me;
they give me wise advice.

²⁵ I lie in the dust;
revive me by your word.
²⁶ I told you my plans, and you answered.
Now teach me your decrees.
²⁷ Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
²⁸ I weep with sorrow;
encourage me by your word.
²⁹ Keep me from lying to myself;
give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
³⁰ I have chosen to be faithful;
I have determined to live by your regulations.
³¹ I cling to your laws.
Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
³² I will pursue your commands,
for you expand my understanding.

³³ Teach me your decrees, O Lord;
I will keep them to the end.
³⁴ Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
³⁵ Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.
³⁶ Give me an eagerness for your laws
rather than a love for money!
³⁷ Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word.
³⁸ Reassure me of your promise,
made to those who fear you.
³⁹ Help me abandon my shameful ways;
for your regulations are good.
⁴⁰ I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness.

⁴¹ Lord, give me your unfailing love,
the salvation that you promised me.
⁴² Then I can answer those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.
⁴³ Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
for your regulations are my only hope.
⁴⁴ I will keep on obeying your instructions
forever and ever.
⁴⁵ I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
⁴⁶ I will speak to kings about your laws,
and I will not be ashamed.
⁴⁷ How I delight in your commands!
How I love them!
⁴⁸ I honor and love your commands.
I meditate on your decrees.

What an inspiring Psalm! Learn, love, and live the word of God with every fibre of your being is what this Psalm calls me to. There is so much to these 48 verses, but the first 8 are what struck me quite clearly. In a world sometimes obsessed with pursuing happiness, we will find it as we walk in God’s word – being blessed by God, is there a great reason for joy and happiness?

But I need to be diligent in coming to and keeping God’s word. In a world busy to the point of much distraction, I am called by this Psalm to diligent and steadfast focus on God’s word – my eyes “fixed” on His commands. I consider the concept of my eyes fixed on something, and I think of being captivated by a movie or exhilarating performance, deeply intrigued by a work of art, or stilled by a time of deep connection with someone I love and cherish. In each of these experiences, I am “fixed.”

How much do I give myself time to become fixed on God’s word? Captivated by God’s work and mission amongst humanity? Intrigued by His wisdom and teaching? Stilled by the power of His Holy Spirit moving me through the text.

Oh, Lord, may I come to your word different than I have before, and discover your captivating splendour throughout it!

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh