Journal Ps 119:153-176 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules. Great peace [has] those who love your law—nothing can make them stumble…My lips will pour forth praise for you to teach me your statutes…
My tongues will sing of your word for all your commandments are right…Let my soul live and praise you and let your rules help me.” Ps 119:164-165;171-172;175
Observation: I think about the Psalmist here. I would have his reaction be mine.
Analysis: This section of Psalms 119 has some impact for me.
Short, sweet; full of praise and delight; expressive. I learn and wonderful feelings flow from me—I wish.
Here are questions for me:
- Does my heart stand in awe of God’s words? (c. v161b)
- Do I rejoice at His Word like one who finds treasure? (c. v162)
I go back and forth on this. Most of the time I rise from this keyboard with renewed vision to share what I have learned; to share insight and knowledge. But how long does it last?
I am finding out that there is a fire to be stoked in my chest and it needs tending every day. I am like an old railroad engine that needs fire to keep the steam up so I can do what engines need to do.
Memories of a Keith Green song, “O Lord, you’re Beautiful (1980)”:
“Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with Holy fear.”
These are the thoughts, the passion, I want to carry with me every day.
What is your passion?
Prayer: Father, make awe double, triple, quadruple within me about your Word. Let it work in me and through me so that my thoughts are your thoughts and I see and think through the filter of Your Word.
AMEN