Psalm 119 - Pe

In this stanza the psalmist expresses profound devotion for the Word. He declares that it is "wonderful" (v. 129). He values it because understanding of it "gives light" (v. 130). He longs after the Word so intensely that he "opened [his] mouth and panted" for it (v. 131). This man clearly loves the Word, but his love is not limited to  being merely a feeling.

The psalmist's love provokes reactions within him. One reaction is related to the wicked. He reveals that his "eyes shed streams of water, because they do not keep [God's] law" (v. 136). His devotion to the Word is so great that his heart is burdened when he sees other people violating it.

The response is not confined, however, to sorrow over the actions of the wicked. The psalmist is also so devoted to God's Word that he is concerned for how he lives personally. It is easy to see the blatant wickedness and the extreme godlessness of the world. It is easy, even expected, for believers to be burdened or outraged over such opposition to God. It is another thing to respond so definitively to one's own violations of God's law - violations that may seem mild in comparison.

The psalmist is concerned about his own obedience. He prays for his footsteps to be established in the Word so that iniquity will not have dominion over him (v. 133). He prays that he will be able to keep God's Word (v. 134). He knows the reality of the temptation and the human propensity to sin, and he does not want to yield to those tendencies. He does not want any sin to have victory over him, causing him to violate God's commands.

Wisely, the psalmist asks for God's help. He knows he cannot win the battle alone. He asks God to "turn to [him] and be gracious to [him]" (v. 132). He asks God to "establish [his] footsteps" (v. 133). He asks for God's face to shine upon him, and for God to teach him (v. 135). His desires are right, but he cannot achieve them without divine help.

Churches are filled with people who say the right things. These people speak of their passion for God. They testify that they love God and His Word. They protest the wickedness of the world. They decry the degradation of society and the apathy of other Christians. All of these are good responses. The question this passage prompts is whether there is any practical display to support this stated passion.

Passion for God is not limited to words. Passion for God expresses itself in actions. It expresses itself in a life commitment to walk obediently in God's ways. It expresses sorrow over sin, discontent over complacency, and disdain for mediocrity. A Christian with a passion for God doesn't just say it; he lives it.

"Establish my footsteps in Your word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me." Psalm 119:133 (NASB)