Psalm 119:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 119:1-8 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.
Devotion
February is National Heart Month. School kids jump rope to raise money for cardiac research. Go Red for Women events educate about heart disease and warning signs. Public service announcements urge regular checkups and a healthy diet. The overarching message? You have to take care of your heart if it's going to take care of you.
Psalm 119 is an appropriate Psalm for February, then. It's all about taking care of your heart—but not simply the muscle in your chest that gives you physical life. The ancient Israelites also saw the heart as the source of reason, conviction and will. Taking care of your heart meant centering your entire self on the God who gives not only physical but also spiritual life. This poetic psalm extols the best way to do that: Follow God's law. It will protect, preserve, guide and revive you.
Prayer
Open my heart to your word, Lord, that I might find my center and strength in you. Amen.