Journal Ps 119:25-48 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise; then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules. I will keep your law continually forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments (which I love).
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments (which I love) and I will meditate on your statues.” Ps 119:41-48
Observation: At what point does the Psalmist blend study with exuberant and demonstrative worship and evangelism? Curious, isn’t it?
Analysis: It is interesting that it seems this section of Psalms 119 builds like a musical manuscript; from a whisper to a firm shout, pianissimo to forte’ (soft to loud to non-musical types).
There is a point to read here: the integration of being sober and rational to also being uproariously emotional in praise. Compare:
- Trusting in God’s Word brings the confidence of His steadfast Love and faith in promised salvation.
- Word of truth, His rules, His laws and demonstrative worship (speak of God’s testimonies before authorities/rulers and engage in awestruck worship by lifting of hands, etc. all in private study)
Another description? Engage in emotional reflection on what is being studied.
I have found that the Scriptures are not just somber reflection, but are full of roaring, celebratory, meditation. The Psalmist also says,
- The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much, fine, gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.” (Ps 19:7-10)
- “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps 119:103)
Do I always find my delight in the Word of the Lord? No, not always—I have to work at it, because if I am not finding my delight, then it is my issue, not His.
Am I distracted? Do I have an agenda followed by bitterness of some kind? Am I hard of heart and just not realizing it? All of these have happened to me at some point in my life…not to mention today. It is why I need to constantly follow the pattern of Jeremiah:
“But this I call to mind (intentionally remember) and therefore (because of it) I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies nevercome to an end; they are new EVERY morning—Great is Your Faithfulness!!
The Lord is my portion”, says my soul, “therefore I WILL HOPE IN HIM. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul WHO SEEKS HIM.” (Lam 3:21-25)
It is good to vigorously worship Him in His Word.
Set your jaw, steel your eyes, and let your heart soar!
PS: Study aid recommendation: ESV.org.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes