Psalm 119:169-172
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word*!
170 Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
* Through these reflections, those phrases that identify God’s word, revelation, or law will be highlighted in the text in the hopes of accentuating the many and varied ways we can visualize what God has given to us for our good.
Reflection
The word of God is the great treasure of the Church. It is the message of hope for the lost and it is the perfect guide for those journeying towards heaven.
In the Scriptures we are given wisdom and counsel for living life. We are shown how to become angry and not sin, how to mourn and not lose hope.
As we turn the pages of our bibles we are able witness the miraculous works of God even among the foolishness of broken men and women.
On virtually every page the fullness of human frailty is on display. But right alongside this inadequacy we find the eternal strength of God.
The tapestry of history has been woven together by the steady hand of the God of heaven. Although the finished product escapes our understanding, we can trust in the vision and direction of the one who is weaving all things together.
Commentary
Verse 169: When we cry out to the Lord, we are expressing those deep needs of our hearts. In those moments we are seeking what only God can provide. While we all would like to be relieved of all the troubles of this world, there is something more important than the absence of pain. Living according to truth is vital to a life that pleases God and satisfies us. Therefore, what we need most of all, especially in times of difficulty is to understand what God is teaching us through his word. This kind of wisdom is clarifying and comforting.
Verse 170: As children of God we can petition the Lord. He has given us access to his presence. This access is a precious gift, and one we can enjoy often. When we bring to God our cares we must accept the deliverance he extends. We can become discouraged when God does not act according to our desires. But our desires do not compare the the infinite wisdom of God.
Verse 171: A grateful heart will give thanks for God’s instruction. Not because we liked what we were being taught, but because we were being taught by God. Not every lesson is easy. Sometimes the lessons we must face are difficult and costly. But if God is the teacher, then the reward is worth the price and the effort.
Verse 172: Not only is thankfulness an appropriate response to God’s faithfulness to his word, so is sing. When sing we are engaging not just the rational faculties of the mind, but also the emotional realities of the soul. The “right”-ness of God’s word only increases our confidence in joy when we sing.
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