Today’s Scripture: Psalm 119:10-16
10 With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments. (NRSV)
Artwork by Paige Newcomb
“I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.”
~ Psalm 119:11
Our text begins with a fervent pledge by the psalmist, “With my whole heart I seek you.” Then he prays, “Do not let me stray from your commandments.” With a holy heart he declares, “I treasure your word in my heart; so that I may not sin against you.” The psalmist goes on to delight in the way of God’s decrees as much as in all riches. He promises, “I will meditate on your precepts, and fix my eyes on your ways.”
The psalmist who wrote these words was totally committed to God’s ways. He knew God’s ways were good ways. He knew they were right ways and that God’s ways bring gladness to our souls and songs to our voices. Even at our lowest moments of loss and pain, comfort and strength are in the ways of the Lord. Gods ways are steadfast and everlasting. They are secure and lead to abundant life and our hope of glory.
O give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good, for God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Amen.