Psalm 119:129-136 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 119:129-136 on biblegateway.com
Verse 129Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
Verse 130The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Verse 131With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments.
Verse 132Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your custom toward those who love your name.
Verse 133Keep my steps steady according to your promise, and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
Verse 134Redeem me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts.
Verse 135Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
Verse 136My eyes shed streams of tears because your law is not kept.
Devotion
Let’s pause to hear what the psalmist writes, “Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.” Like the psalmist, we, too, need to hear, once in a while, a wonderful decree from God’s word. Don’t we? Here’s another one. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Ps 118:24) Doesn’t this sound good to your ears? Decrees like this from God’s word given with authority and assurance, encourage us to rejoice and live in God’s way. The decrees and precepts of the Lord are a gift. They feed our spiritual hunger and sustain our mental health. “Redeem me from human oppression,” the psalmist cries. When oppressed, there is resentment and despair. To keep God’s precepts, the psalmist, and we, need freedom to live, learn, and rejoice. On this day the Lord has made us free to rejoice and be glad in it!
Prayer
Lord, instruct us in your ways. Lead us to live today fully in your love and grace. Amen.
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