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Psalm 119

I tried to write this post over and over again.  It started about half a dozen times as a theologian, and a quarter-dozen times as a comedian.  I stopped after the ninth attempt and thought I'd sleep on it.  I know when I come across some type of writer's block it's God's way of saying, "you're trying too hard".  Finally a few days later I opened my journal and what I wanted to say was simply written down (pretty sure I avoided this at first for fear of indecent exposure of my heart).

I get why David wrote about the Lord's law being "sweet" to his lips...because the more depraved you realize you are...the more you HUNGER for HIS ways and laws and things that get you out of it [sin, see Romans 6:21-23]! 

Psalm 119

 "Oh, that my ways were steadfast in following your decrees!"--verse 5

 "How can a young man keep is way pure?  By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."--verses 9-11

 "...be gracious to me and teach me your law..."--verse 29

 "Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees."--verse 124

What is more, from our perspective, God brings a deeper meaning of the Word (John 1) in our hearts.  When Jesus Himself is in our hearts we long to do the will of God.  Every.  Syllable.  Word.  Point.  That's the relationship we "evangelicals" so radically talk about.  It's because of His goodness, and revelations of His love that we long for His commands.  And that too is an end in itself.

 "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and greatest commandment."--Matthew 22:37-38






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