Tag Archives: Pe

Pe

¹²⁹ Your laws are wonderful.
    No wonder I obey them!
¹³⁰ The teaching of your word gives light,
    so even the simple can understand.
¹³¹ I pant with expectation,
    longing for your commands.
¹³² Come and show me your mercy,
    as you do for all who love your name.
¹³³ Guide my steps by your word,
    so I will not be overcome by evil.
¹³⁴ Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
    then I can obey your commandments.
¹³⁵ Look upon me with love;
    teach me your decrees.
¹³⁶ Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
    because people disobey your instructions.

Psalm 119:129-136

Dear God, I am at a point at work where I actually need to toughen up when it comes to “law.” Things have gotten a little loose over the summer in a couple of areas, and it’s time for me to have to tighten things up. And I am not a good tightener. But it has to be done. I’m just thinking about it here because of the laws you have for us. We get loose with them too. We drift. We assume you’re looking the other way. All the while, we are grieving you and we are grieving your Spirit. How do you correct us? What is the most constructive way for me to correct the staff this morning? With that said, let’s see what I might be able to get out of today’s verses.

• ¹²⁹ Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! – They really are wonderful. I really do need them. They really are good for me. Thank you for your love as exhibited through them. If you didn’t have them for us how would we know you care?
• ¹³⁰ The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. – The line about the “simple” seems a little mean, but the point is taken. The more I know from you the more I know of you. And as a simple man, the more I can understand. Help me to learn your word and help me to know how to teach your word when given the opportunity.
• ¹³¹ I pant with expectation, longing for your commands. – There are some days I long for your commands and some days I don’t. This morning, frankly, I’m distracted by what I mentioned earlier. But I do get excited about learning from you sometimes. Help those moments to be longer and longer and more frequent.
• ¹³² Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name. – Ah, your mercy. I long to receive it and I need to give it. And that goes for all kinds of people. Your mercy, Father, is what allows the world to move forward. The mercy you give us and the mercy we give to each other. Even the mercy we give to you when we are angry with you and then accept that your ways are not our ways. But thank you for showing me your mercy and teaching me to show it to others.
• ¹³³ Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. – I just want to walk in and be in your light. Let your word be a lamp unto my feet and light upon my path.
• ¹³⁴ Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments. – I can always obey your commands, whether I’m captive or not. Even if I am oppressed by evil people, give me your freedom of soul through my loyalty, devotion, and obedience to you.
• ¹³⁵ Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees. – Oh, I know you already look on me with love. And you are ready to teach me whenever I am ready to learn. Help me to be ready to learn, and thank you for looking upon me with love.
• ¹³⁶ Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions. – Does my heart break for those who don’t know you? Not enough. Help me to really care for those who don’t know you.

I pray all of this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen