Scripture: “I will sing of steadfast love and justice—to you O Lord I will make music. I will ponder the way that is blameless.
(Oh, when will you come to me?)
- I will walk in with integrity of heart within my house;
- I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless;
- I hate the work of those who fall away—it shall not cling to me.
- A perverse heart shall be far from me;
- I will know nothing of evil.” Ps 101:1-4
Observation: Personal holiness: the Psalmist describes how he approaches it.
Application: I couldn’t help but notice how varied the Psalmist’s response concerning personal holiness was. Specifically, what does stand out are the self-intentional phrases “I will, I shall”, etc.
The whole journal experience is supposed to be one of personal reflection about how the Scriptures interact with me—what moves me; what makes my head cock to the side and say “huh?” What crushes my heart when I reflect on what the Word says; what causes my heart to race in enthusiasm…
What got me this morning is how I read into how the Psalmist was saying? I think not all of what the words say ONLY is the entirety. How it is read (out loud is best) is important as well.
What I saw in this passage was the “Oh, when will you come to me?”—it seems out of place and out of rhythm with the rest of the verses before and following—sort of like the Psalmist was exercising discipline, talking truth to himself but, on another level, lamenting the lack of personal visitation by the Lord—there is a little empty feeling going on…
I can see that in a way. How many times am I conducting myself “in faith”, not sensing the Presence? It is not a place of unbelief—on the contrary, putting my foot one in front of the other while calling on the Name is a significant act of faith in God.
It is the lament of “I want to know You…I want to see You…” and more. It is longing after Him to know him more.
If my speculation is sort of correct, I can see and understand the above. “I will, I shall check off the list of things I want to honor you with—but oh, when will You come to me? Nevertheless, I will sing…I will sing of steadfast love…I will sing of justice…to You O Lord I WILL make music and ponder (meditate, think, keep in my thoughts) the way that is blameless…”
Prayer: Lord God, I so appreciate the Psalms. The Psalmist writes from a heart that is wholly for You, speaks of your majesty, wonder, and power and speaks incessantly of the man in the mirror. It is as real of a personal testimony that I think I can read. Thank you for the Psalms. I want to know You more. AMEN.