Waiting, Seeking, Delighting

I mentioned a couple of days ago that there is a shift in emphasis in Psalm 119, beginning in the vav stanza.  We have previously been looking at the psalmist's prayers - what he prayed for and against, and what he was asking God to do in his life.  In this stanza, and continuing through the yodh, the emphasis has shifted and we want to be alert to how the psalmist is "partnering with" God, the commitments he is making to God's work in the world.  Look at verse 46 as an example....."I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings and will not be ashamed."  See if you can find other examples in this stanza and make a list of those, as well as being alert as we move forward to other similar commitments the psalmist makes.

There are two other lists I would ask you to make today.  Make a list of everything the psalmist says he is doing or will do.  This shows us the "human side" of this partnership and shows us what the psalmist is investing his time in (remember we gave some thought to investing in the last post).  The second list is a list of what God has done or what the psalmist is trusting him to do.  Include in this list anything you learn from these verses about God's character or His nature. 

As you consider the lists you have made, what thoughts come to mind?  What concepts can you apply to your own life?  As you note how the psalmist describes his relationship with God and how the psalmist views God's commandments and precepts, how is your own outlook similar or different?  And how is this outlook reflected in your behavior?  Something to think about......

One final thought today.......while we don't know for certain whether or not David is the writer of this particular Psalm, we do know from elsewhere in Scripture that David loved God, that he was described as "a man after God's own heart".  Because of that, David is a great example for us of what it means to delight in God.  Another Psalm, Psalm 27, is a good place to focus our attention to learn more about David and his relationship with God.  As you read Psalm 27, note what it is that David asks God for.  Based on your reading of Psalm 27, how would you describe David's relationship with God?  Would you not agree that what we see here reflects concepts we have also seen in Psalm 119......delighting in God, seeking Him (and not just seeking what He can do).  Can you think of a New Testament passage that reflects these same concepts?

Spend some time in John 15 and consider what Jesus has to say on the subject.

A thought for the day.......
"Living the Word comes out of loving the Word."  (Pam Gillaspie)