Last Wednesday in our Prayer Gathering, we took time to read a few segments of Psalm 119. That’s the chapter that has 176 verses, and it highlights God’s Word in every verse. Psalm 119 is an extended and elaborate tribute to the value of Scripture. But the term “value” isn’t strong enough—the sweetness, the beauty, the treasure of God’s Word! At least 23 times this grand poem overflows with this kind of passion. Here are a few examples:
24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
40 I long for your precepts; in your righteousness, give me life!
47 I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.
97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
Another theme in our prayer-time readings had to do with the way God weaves our trials for our gain. If you’re facing affliction today, let it move you to turn to Jesus, not away from him:
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
A number of verses declare the believer’s “wholehearted” devotion to the Lord. Consider these examples:
2 Blessed are those who keep his [i.e., the Lord’s] testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart.
10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! I will keep your statutes.
As we prayed, this unreserved dedication to God drew us in. Yes, we were aware that, at times (maybe many times), our hearts are fickle. But we did not, for that reason, steer away from these verses: they became our goal, our hope. “Lord, in your grace and by your power, help us to grow strong in our devotion to you!”
