A Long, Long Song: Part 2

Psalm 119:81 to 176

Ps 119:81 “My soul faints with longing for your salvation,

But I have put my hope in your Word.

92 If your law had not been my delight

I would have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget your precepts,

For by them you have preserved my life.

94 Save me for I am yours. 

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet

And a light to my path. 

111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;

They are the joy of my heart.

112 my heart is set on keeping your decrees

To the very end.

114 You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your Word.

116 Sustain me according to your promise and I will live;

Do not let my hopes be dashed.

130 The unfolding of your words gives light;

It gives understanding to the simple. 

133 Direct my footsteps according to your Word.

134 Redeem me from the oppression of men.

135 Make your face shine upon your servant

And teach me your decrees.

145 I call with all my heart’

Answer me O LORD

146 I call out to you; save me

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;

I have put my hope in your Word.

154 Defend my cause and redeem me;

Preserve my life according to your promise.

171 May my lips overflow with praise

For you teach me your decrees.

172 May my tongue sing of your Word.

The 2^nd half of Psalm 119 has a greater sense of urgency for deliverance.  It reads as though this Psalmist, in his zeal for Gods law and words, experiences persecution at the hands of arrogant people, maybe even leaders and rulers. 

You could almost imagine this writer being bullied for being a bit of a law-geek.  That others would make fun of his piety and his obsession, his passion, yet knowing that this kid was someone completely sincere, genuine, and someone more righteous than themselves. 

So I love the words that show the full treasure that God’s Words are to this person.   How the law is his true delight.  His passion and dearest love.  That these words are not just his food but also his dessert.

Ps 119:103 “How sweet are your words to my taste,

Sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

And you are almost a bit jealous of this pure energy.  That the compass setting for this person is so clearly True North.  

So I love how sure he is.

And maybe a bit naïve.

But definitely not ashamed.

Not even the faintest sense of blushing.

I really love that a lot.

Because I think God plants these passions and loves inside of us.

The gifts that He gives to each one of us.  
To spur each other to better and best things.

Gifts and passions that others may not understand.

Bringing our own personal flavour to the world.

Our joys and the things that make our hearts pound hard. 

Fruits of the Spirit so the world can taste and see that God is good.