"I love the law..."
These words grabbed my attention as I was frantically getting ready on a recent morning while the "Today" show played on a nearby television. Who says that in 2010?!? Most people in our society disdain for words like "law" and "authority" and "obedience."
In this case, Supreme Court Justice nominee Elena Kagan said, "I love the law..." on the "Today" show. I remembered her words when I read today's passage.
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible (we're reading it over two days on this reading plan!), but the whole chapter is really an expression of love for God's law--His Word.
While it may sound odd to hear or read, "I love the law," imagine what our world would be like without any civil laws--people would drive cars wherever they pleased (including your front yard!), stealing would be acceptable, kids wouldn't go to school--you name it! There would be total chaos.
Similarly, God's law is designed to govern our lives. It can often help us to avoid chaos, drama and unnecessary suffering. God's Word is truth that isn't just about fancy philosophy or theology--it's truth that's meant to shape our hearts, relationships with people, relationship with God and our everyday lives of service to Him.
In this portion of the passage, the author expresses his love for God's Word--and how it saved him from chaos:
Be good to your servant, God;
be as good as your Word.
Train me in good common sense;
I'm thoroughly committed to living your way.
Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
but now I'm in step with your Word.
You are good, and the source of good;
train me in your goodness.
Though I am extremely thankful for the laws my country was founded upon, I believe that God's law is even more deserving of my love. God's law is goodness, love and truth. It's wisdom, direction and purpose for my life--and what's not to love about that?
Tomorrow: Psalm 119: 89-176
