I am looking forward to continuing Hillsdale’s January series in Psalm 119 this Sunday night as we examine Psalm 119:129-144 and expose 14 spiritual principles and precepts for cultivating a thriving, joyful attitude [I plan to share some of those principles in next week’s devotions].
For today, I will continue my commentary on this generation’s neglect of the doctrine of Sanctification by examining the psalmist’s spirit and love for God’s Word, Law, Commandments, Precepts Statutes, and Testimonies.
Notice the affection the psalmist expresses for God’s Law in Psalm 119:97.
Psalm 119:97 – “O how love [have affection for] I thy law [precepts; Decalogue, Ten Commandments; Pentateuch]! it is my meditation [prayer; devotion] all the day [i.e. day and night – Psalm 1:2].
In contrast to this generation’s disdain for the Law, the psalmist loved God’s Law. He did not look upon the law as a burden for he loved God’s Law with the same passion he embraced God’s promises. Mirroring the heart of the “Blessed” man in Psalm 1, the psalmist declared the law of the LORD was his “meditation all the day” (or as we read in Psalm 1:2, “day and night”).
Not only did the psalmist love the law of the LORD, he declared the words of the LORD were sweeter to his soul than honey to his mouth (Psalm 119:103).
Psalm 119:103 How sweet [pleasant; smooth] are thy words [commandments] unto my taste [mouth; i.e. palate]! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
To the unsaved, the Word of God is odious, burdensome and bitter to the taste. Sinful hearts sour to the taste of God’s Word and rebellious hearts resent His law. Not so for the saint who loves the LORD! The Word of God is to a sincere, obedient believer what sweet tea is to a southerner…easy to swallow, refreshing and a joy to the soul!
Psalm 19:7-10 – “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting [restoring] the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear [reverence] of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”
Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith