Psalm 119:33-40 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 119:33-40 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
Verse 34Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Verse 35Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
Verse 36Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.
Verse 37Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.
Verse 38Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you.
Verse 39Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
Verse 40See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.
Devotion
I have always been fond of delighting. It is one of my favorite pastimes. I delight in special friends or a walk by the river. I delight in the company of my life partner. I delight in the whiff of God’s grace from time to time.
“Delighting” is an important scriptural concept. There is laughter and smiling, gladness and joy, all through the Bible. A brief look in your concordance will show that this is true.
Psalm 119 wants us to know that delighting is steerable. A walk by the river doesn’t happen accidently, most of the time. You have to steer your feet down toward the park. You have to set aside an hour. Sometimes our delighting turns to “selfish gain.” Or maybe “vanities.” Then steering is especially important. We need to set aside an hour, open the Book again, and steer our hearts down the path of God’s revealed love.
Prayer
Your Word is full of things to delight in. Help me to discover some of them. Amen.