Lovable Law
Opening Prayer
Lord, may Your Word truly be a “lamp to my feet and a light for my path” today (Psa. 119:105).
Read Psalm 119:113-128
[113]ס Samekh I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. [114] You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. [115] Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! [116] Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. [117] Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. [118] You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain. [119] All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. [120] My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws. [121]ע Ayin I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. [122] Ensure your servant’s well-being; let not the arrogant oppress me. [123] My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. [124] Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. [125] I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. [126] It is time for you to act, O LORD; your law is being broken. [127] Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, [128] and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How does the psalmist regard God’s law?When I think of laws, my mind immediately goes to speed limits and speed cameras. Those are the legal matters which most often impinge on my consciousness. Then I read this psalm, and I find it hard to believe that the writer can feel so fondly about laws and statutes (127).
Our Western concept of law is very different from the Jewish one. When we think of law, we think of signs with speed limits, and flashing lights in our rear-view mirror. But to the psalmist the law is not the restriction; it is the road itself (128).
I like roads. Roads make driving a whole lot easier. They make our journeys smoother and swifter. They keep our speeding cars safely away from people’s front yards and the children in the playgrounds. I recently spent my vacation getting repeatedly stuck in a very muddy field. I am a devoted fan of roads.
That is how the psalmist feels about God’s Law. It is something that liberates us, not something that constrains us. To live in God’s way is to live the way we were designed to live.
Apply
Let your mind reflect on God’s Law—whatever comes to mind. Take time to appreciate how wonderful it is. Thank him.
Closing prayer
Lord, help me to appreciate, treasure and followYour Law as the good and loving guide for life that it is.
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