Reflections on Psalm 119

In my reading through the Bible chronologically, I've come to the end of Psalm 119.  As many times as I've read that chapter, it's with a sense of regret that I leave it for what comes next.  I know, thank the Lord, that there are precious new insights waiting for me as I move on.


I'm wanting all my notes, etc. through these months to all be in the Bible I'm studying ... which is chronological in format.  Using one of those type Bibles encourages the growth of humility in a Christian's life.  Sitting there in church, as Bro. Roger tells us to turn to something like John 3:16, I have to turn to one of the contents pages, and find a page number - like I'm so unfamiliar with the Word that I can't find it on my own.  And that is absolutely true, with this chronological stuff!  Downright humiliating ... which is a sign that my pride has raised its ugly head!  Oh, my....


Well, before I leave Psalm 119, I wanted to make note of a few things that continue to keep my attention.


One is the number of times the Psalmist says, "Teach me," or "Give me understanding."  And interspersed between all those requests are found abundant proof that God is, indeed, teaching him and giving him understanding.  So many powerful truths are found there, so much evidence of spiritual maturity.  One might think the writer would be satisfied with all that God has shown him.  But, not so!  He continually cries out, "Teach me!"  If I find myself seemingly lagging behind the Psalmist, perhaps I have not because I ask not!


Another of my attention-grabbers is the emphasis on "Your Word."  No matter what the Psalmist talks about - whether it is the heights of joy or his deep despair - it all comes back to God's Word.  Without it, there is no life!


Which brings me to the last one on my mind today - another constant refrain found all through this long chapter - "Revive me."  One does not cry out to be revived, especially with this frequency and passion, without an acute awareness of need.  Only when we feel our life is threatened do we run to the emergency room, crying "Help!"  It seems that the more God teaches us, the more understanding He gives, the greater becomes our conscious awareness of our desperate need for Him ... our utter dependency on Him for our very life and breath - both spiritually and physically.


So.... as I go on with my day, and continue on through my study...


"Teach me, Lord, Your thoughts, Your will, Your ways.  Give me understanding of Your Word, for I am utterly dependent on You to understand any of It ... and I have absolutely no hope of any life whatsoever without It!  Keep me immersed in Your Word, focused on Your Word, purposed to obey Your Word, putting Your Word to the test, learning more and more then to delight in Your Word, as You prove it to be totally, 100% reliable and trustworthy - able to speak to each and every aspect of my life, in authority, power, and effectiveness.  And please do not fail to revive me, Lord!  Give me life!  Breath new life into my moments and my days, into my routine tasks and activities, into every relationship of my life, and every thought I think.  Revive my soul, I pray - my mind, my will, my emotions.  Let me reflect and shine forth Your life.  Do so for each of Your children, Lord.  May Your Church shine forth into this dark world with power and truth, faithfully pointing all who see us to You - the only hope this world has. 



May the Lord add His blessing to the study of His Word.