day 29: Psalm 119: 121-144- Love of his word

​Ayin
121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. 125 I am your servant; give me understanding that I may know your testimonies! 126 It is time for the Lord to act, for your law has been broken. 127 Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.
 
Pe
129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. 131 I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. 132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. 133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. 134 Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts. 135 Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. 136 My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.
 
Tsadhe
137 Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules. 138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. 139 My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words. 140 Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. 141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. 143 Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. 144 Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
 
Meditation
Does your life show your love for God? Our love of God’s word shows our love for God Himself. Verse 137 states this explicitly from a negative- To reject God’s word and God’s law is to reject God Himself. Jesus taught that if we love HIM we will obey His word, the word of God (John 14:15-17). The implication is that we can look at someone’s life, what they obey, and see who they love.
 
The Apostle Paul said he, “delighted in God’s law in His inner being,” (Romans 7:22) because the law, like God, is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12). Like a mirror the law shows us our sin. Like a hammer it crushes us with conviction. But this does not mean God’s law is not also “wonderful” (129), light (130), our true longing (131), and blessing (135) for those who have been redeemed by God’s grace.
 
John Calvin called this positive view of God’s law the “perfect pattern of righteousness.” God is righteous (137) and His righteousness is eternal (142) because His ways and word are true, giving understanding and life (144). When we understand that to love God is to love His law, His word, then we can say with the Psalmist, “I love your commandments above gold- fine gold.” (127) And our lives will show our love.
 
Richly Dwelling
-Do you have a positive view of God’s law, God’s word? What does this reveal about how you see God Himself?
 
-There are different uses of the law of God: A mirror, civil restraint, and a perfect pattern of righteousness. If God has redeemed you then God’s law and His word should light your path, empowering you to walk in righteousness. How is your day different if you see God’s law as a path to walk for life? Be specific.
 
Key Verse
137 Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules.