Shaped by the Word – Psalm 119:1-16

 How blessed are those whose way is blameless, 

Who walk in the law of the Lord. 

How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, 

Who seek Him with all their heart. 

They also do no unrighteousness;

They walk in His ways. 

You have ordained Your precepts,

That we should keep them diligently. 

Oh that my ways may be established

To keep Your statutes! 

Then I shall not be ashamed 

When I look upon all Your commandments.

I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, 

When I learn Your righteous judgments. 

I shall keep Your statutes; 

Do not forsake me utterly!

           

How can a young man keep his way pure? 

By keeping it according to Your word. 

With all my heart I have sought You; 

Do not let me wander from Your commandments. 

Your word I have treasured in my heart, 

That I may not sin against You.

Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. 

With my lips I have told of all the ordinances of Your mouth. 

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, 

As much as in all riches. 

I will meditate on Your precepts 

And regard Your ways. 

I shall delight in Your statutes; 

I shall not forget Your word.

With poetic passion an unknown psalmist preaches, prays and vows with all his heart to abide in God’s word. In this longest chapter of scripture, the statutes and law that are referred to are the Torah. I like to imagine what this author would have said had he been present when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. With the new covenant as the backdrop I believe he might have said something to this effect:

Oh Lord, that You have made me blameless in Your sight,

Inviting me into Your most holy presence,

Has dumbfounded my heart.

That You Yourself have become my great high priest

Is far more than I could have ever anticipated.

This is such a glorious surprise!

This new heart You gave me is spirit-compatible with Your Word.

How utterly blessed I have become having Christ to explain You to me.

When I ponder these things, I am filled with wonder, boldness and joy.

All Your precious words I am treasuring in my heart.

My heart has been made wealthy in You.

Your words are my daily feast and the product of my lips.

I dwelling in You? You dwelling in Me?

Astonishing.

Oh Lord, may the outward expressions of my life

Reflect the untold inner-wealth of my heart.

I am in awe of You. I am in love with You.

Father, please awaken the native hunger of our new hearts for Your Word. Help us to learn to feed ourselves, to personally discover and celebrate the blessed reality of our circumstance with You. I do celebrate You, Lord! Thank You that You will never leave nor forsake me. Amen.

 

 

 

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