Psalm 119:1-16 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 119:1-16 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Verse 2Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart,
Verse 3who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways.
Verse 4You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
Verse 5O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Verse 6Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
Verse 7I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous ordinances.
Verse 8I will observe your statutes; do not utterly forsake me.
Verse 9How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
Verse 10With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.
Verse 11I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.
Verse 12Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes.
Verse 13With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth.
Verse 14I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches.
Verse 15I will meditate on your precepts, and fix my eyes on your ways.
Verse 16I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Devotion
The tree pose in yoga involves tucking one foot on the inside or front of the opposite thigh while stretching one’s hands, palms together as high as one can. This pose challenges one to stay centered and balanced while reaching towards one’s limitations. In this precarious position, it is calmly fixing one’s eyes on a certain point that keeps one rooted both physically and mentally. The verses of this psalm also repeatedly mention “fixing” one’s eyes on God’s ways or commandments, enabling one to remain steadfast in the Lord. At all times, it is necessary to ‘fix’ our eyes and heart on the Lord to stay balanced.
Prayer
Blessed are you, O Lord, with my whole heart I seek you. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Amen.