Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1

Psalm 119:131-136

I open my mouth and pant,
longing for Your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as You always do to those who love Your name.
Direct my footsteps according to Your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may obey Your precepts.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant
and teach me Your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for Your law is not obeyed.


This is where I want to be, at a place where I pant and long for God's commands, where God's law is such a part of me that it hurts me to the point of crying when it is broken.

Verse 127 says "I love Your commandments more than pure gold." Sure I find it easy to love God's word at church. But what about at work? Do I value it enough to not compromise even if it means less "gold" in my paycheck? In our wealthy nation it's easy to get wrapped up in valuing stuff and our comfort over following truth.

And verse 112 says "My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end." This morning I almost rolled right over and went back to sleep. But a little voice inside asked me if I can't even make myself get out of bed early to read my Bible, what makes me think I'd really stick to my faith if I were persecuted for it. This daily reading and focus on God's word is really helping to guide my footsteps and breaking the ability of sin to rule over me.