Psalms

I have really enjoyed my time in The Book of Psalms this year. Its blending of history, prophesy, and praise in a uniquely poetic form makes this a challenging read for a meat head like me, but the richness of the text in relation to both the rest of scripture and the human experience is worth the challenge. Here are a few good lines from chapter 119. I have pulled them out of the poem and transformed them into regular sentences:

5&6- Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed when I look into all Your commandments.

7- I will praise You with uprightness of heart when I learn Your righteous judgments.

9- How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

11- Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You!

14& 15- I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts and contemplate Your ways.

18&19- Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth - do not hide Your commandments from me.

67, 68& 71- Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good and do good- teach me Your statutes. It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I may learn Your statutes.

Psalm 119, more than any other Psalm, exhibits the tremendous passion that David had for the mind of God; to know it, to obey His Laws, to declare His ways to others. I am challenged by his passion for God and His perfect ways!