Read
In Praise of the Law
1Our Lord, you bless everyone
who lives right
and obeys your Law.
2You bless all those
who follow your commands
from deep in their hearts
3and who never do wrong
or turn from you.
4You have ordered us always
to obey your teachings;
5I don't ever want to stray
from your laws.
6Thinking about your commands
will keep me from doing
some foolish thing.
7I will do right and praise you
by learning to respect
your perfect laws.
8I will obey all of them!
Don't turn your back on me.
9Young people can live
a clean life
by obeying your word.
10I worship you
with all my heart.
Don't let me walk away
from your commands.
11I treasure your word
above all else;
it keeps me from sinning
against you.
12I praise you, Lord!
Teach me your laws.
13With my own mouth,
I tell others the laws
that you have spoken.
14Obeying your instructions
brings as much happiness
as being rich.
15I will study your teachings
and follow your footsteps.
16I will take pleasure
in your laws
and remember your words.
17Treat me with kindness, Lord,
so that I may live
and do what you say.
18Open my mind
and let me discover
the wonders of your Law.
19I live here as a stranger.
Don't keep me from knowing
your commands.
20What I want most
and at all times
is to honor your laws.
21You punish those boastful,
worthless nobodies who turn
from your commands.
22Don't let them sneer
and insult me
for following you.
23I keep thinking about
your teachings, Lord,
even if rulers plot
against me.
24Your laws are my greatest joy!
I follow their advice.
Reflect
There is seldom a shortage of people who would like to lose weight. I have sat in a few weight loss programs trying to lose that last ten pounds. I have noticed, those who are strikingly successful do the program, whatever it is, wholeheartedly and they keep doing it.
In Psalm 119:1-24 we meet the Psalmist whose heart’s cry is to walk in the ways of God. He talks about how he goes about it. He does this wholeheartedly. God’s word is hidden in his heart. He talks about it as that which makes his soul sing.
The Psalmist has made the Word of God his counselor along the pathway of life. He takes it one step further and he obeys it, as should we.
Jesus made a way for us, through his death and sacrifice to know God, and be led, not only through his word but also by the Holy Spirit.
The Psalmist says in verse 16 while he delights in God’s word, he does not neglect it. It is not hard to neglect what is good for us; to pass by the apples in front of you and reach for the muffin. Reach for his Word daily, and make it a part of every day.
Respond
Dear Father God, I praise you for the sustaining power of your Word and your Holy Spirit. I pray that you would continue to lead me in my walk with you each day. May your word be that living water my soul longs for. Amen.
Donna Dyck
Donna and her husband Bill are parents of 4 adult children and have 9 grandchildren. They have been pastoring at Toronto Alliance church for 28 years. Donna has written 2 books, Confessions of a Not So Average Girl and Confessions of an Unlikely Pastors wife. She has spoken at many conferences, seminars, and events over the years. She and her husband have just written a Devotional called Hope for an Unwanted Journey which will be published soon and is for parents, especially those who are walking through the valley of addiction or mental illness with their loved ones.