June 17, 2011

Psalm 119:129-136 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 4:31-37, Philippians 1:21-30, 2 Kings 1-2

Journal Entry

Scripture

"I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments." (v. 131) ... "My eyes shed streams of tears because people do not keep your law." (v. 136)

Observation

These two verses caught my attention and made me ponder upon this truth in my devotion this morning. First, v. 131 portrays a desperate heart that seeks out for God's Word. "I open my mouth and pant." This is a beautiful image of desperation for God and His Word. There are many things in life that people pant about, such as success, promotion, money, relationship, etc. But blessed is the man (woman) who opens his/her mouth to pant for God's Word, which gives light to the soul (v. 130). Second, v. 136 challenges me to look at my heart and see if I grieve over the sin of others. "My eyes shed streams of tears because people do not keep your law." When we yearn for God's Word and walk in the truth, in that intimate relationship with God, our hearts will grieve over the things that grieve God's heart. It's an emotional response to the sin of others. That's the compassionate heart of our God.

Application

I ask myself two questions this morning. First, "What do I thirst for?" Do I have a craving and longing for God's Word? Do I start the day with eagerness to obey or finding reasons to disobey? How desperate am I for God and His Word as I start a new day? My passion for God will slowly disappear as I continue to cultivate a craving for something other than God and His Word. Second, I ask myself, "What do I cry over?" What makes me cry? It's one thing to cry over the sins of my life in repentance. But it's quite different to cry over the sin of other people. I am challenged to soften my heart to make it sensitive toward God. Whatever breaks God's heart must break my heart as well.

Prayer

Lord, I want to honestly say that there's nothing more that I desire besides You! I want to start the day with a desire to obey you and walk in your truth. Lord, teach me and guide me that I may be your testimony to the world. Lord, as I immerse myself in Your Word, I pray that my heart would reflect Your heart, rejoicing over what you rejoice over, and grieving over what grieves your heart. Lord, I open my mouth and pant for You and Your Word today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

--Stephen Han