READING: Psalm 119:1-88
To be honest, I’m a bit embarrassed as I read today the first half of the longest chapter in the Bible. I’m embarrassed because I realize I have a long way to go in loving and reading the Word.
I’m faithful in my Bible reading each day, and I really am excited about getting to the Word each day. In fact, I look forward to opening the Word. Over the past several years using the Bible study approach I use, I feel like my day is incomplete without being with God. With all of those thoughts in mind, though, my heart isn’t even close to the psalmist’s when he wrote about loving and obeying the Word:
- “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands” (Psalm 119:10)
- “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Psalm 119:16)
- “My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times” (Psalm 119:20)
- “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” (Psalm 119:30)
- “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight” (Psalm 119:35)
- “How I long for your precepts!” (Psalm 119:40)
- “Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge” (Psalm 119:54)
- “At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws” (Psalm 119:62)
- “The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold” (Psalm 119:72)
When I read these words, I’m not sure I yet find “delight” in the Word, and I am sure His decrees aren’t always the theme of my song. I’m not so grateful for the Word that I think about it even when I rise at night. I can only hope it’s more precious to me than money and possessions. I’m closer than I’ve ever been in my engagement with the Word, but I’m still so far away . . . .
But, maybe that’s the way it works. The more you read the Word, the more you want to hear from Him. The closer you get to Him through your reading, the more you realize just how much you have to learn about your Creator. You hunger for even more — and your position of longing is exactly where God wants you to be. The follower of Christ who longs for the Word, who sets his heart on the Word, and thanks God for His Word finds it to be even more precious.
And, by the way, that’s also how he wins the battles of purity (Psalm 119:9-11) — a battle that far too many believers are losing daily. A strong dose of God’s Word weakens the enemy’s hold every time.
ACTION STEPS:
- Honestly evaluate your life regarding the Word of God. Do you delight in it?
- Please pray for me that I will truly delight in the Word, too — not just read it to finish a devotion each day or prepare a weekly sermon.
PRAYER: “Lord, thank You for Your Word. Help me not forget that it’s an incredible gift to me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalm 119:89-176