Psalm 119:129-136 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 119:129-136 on biblegateway.com
Verse 129Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
Verse 130The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Verse 131With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments.
Verse 132Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your custom toward those who love your name.
Verse 133Keep my steps steady according to your promise, and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
Verse 134Redeem me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts.
Verse 135Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
Verse 136My eyes shed streams of tears because your law is not kept.
Devotion
“Your decrees are wonderful,” writes the psalmist. This statement makes the preceding verses all the more startling, as though the psalmist is saying, "Can we talk, Lord?" The writer boldly proclaims "I have done what is just and right" (v. 121) and "Truly I direct my steps by all your precepts; I hate every false way" (v. 128). He is not ashamed to complain about the fact that God's law is not being kept. He even dares to challenge God: "It is time for the Lord to act, for your law has been broken" (v. 126).
We would do well to take a page from the psalmist. The Psalms encourage us to say, "Can we talk, Lord?" The reply would surely be, "Yes!" God knows what is in our hearts, but also likes to have us put it into thoughts and words so that we can really talk about it. Once the conversation begins, it may be very much like this psalm – a mixture of cries for help, some complaining, but mostly praise for God's goodness.
Prayer
God of all truth, help us to open our hearts in warm conversation with you! And "make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes." Amen.