God’s Law ~ law, part 2

I’m just going to jump in right where we left off last time – halfway through looking at how the word “law” is used in Psalm 119. Today we are going to look at two opposites – those who despise the LAW and loving the LAW.

First, the camp I do not want to be associated with – those who despise or disdain God’s law.

Let me list some verses –
v 53 – Indignation grips me because of the wicked who have forsaken your law.
v 85 – The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law.
v 126 – It is time for you to act, O Lord; your law is being broken.
v 136 – Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.
v 150 – Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law.

Now, the number of verses here may not be large but the people spoken of in these verses, well, they are not ones I want to hang around with. They don’t follow the law that God has set before us. They don’t do as God wills. This is clear when we look at the words surrounding these people – wicked and arrogant. And the actions here are clearly those who don’t love God and his law.

Let’s counter that, though. The Psalmist does. Quite strongly.

When these people – the wicked and the arrogant – act in ways that are unkind, hurtful, and more, the Psalmist does not turn from God. In fact, he speaks very clearly about what he does during these times of persecution – he remembers the LAWS that God has given. The LAWS that are righteous. The LAWS that are holy. He does not turn away. Oh, do I need to follow that example!

v 51 – The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law.
v 61 – Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
v 70 – Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.
v 109 – Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
v 113 – I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.
v 153 – Look upon my sufferings and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law.

One verse that jumps out at me is
v 77 – Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.

The LAW being his delight, the Psalmist is looking for compassion from the one who he knows holds life and death. And more than that, his words show obedience. They show love. They show respect. They show honor. And they show much, much more.

v 13 – With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
v 20 – My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
v 43 – Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.
v 44 – I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.
v 55 – In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law.
v 108 – Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
v 120 – My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.
v 137 – Righteous are you, O Lord, and your laws are right.
v 163 – I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law.
v 164 – Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.

I am going to close this with my three favorite verses,

v 30 – I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your LAWS.

v 34 – Give me understanding and I will keep your LAW and obey it with all my heart.

v 97 – O how I love your LAW; I meditate on it all day long.

These are my goals. They are clearly stated and focused on God. I desire understanding and the only way to gain that is to meditate on the LAW of God. I have set my heart on God and his LAWS. Each day I have to refocus on these goals but that’s okay because each day that I do, I am one day closer to the understanding that God is granting to me. And each day I refocus, I am becoming more in awe of God and the LAWS that will allow me to join Him in heaven after this earthly life is done. What a blessing to have God’s LAW.

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