Psalm 119:33-40 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 119:33-40 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
Verse 34Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Verse 35Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
Verse 36Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.
Verse 37Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.
Verse 38Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you.
Verse 39Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
Verse 40See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.
Devotion
During this seventh week of Epiphany, a season in which we are reminded of the power of light, we encounter the psalmist's prayer for enlightenment. This prayer is a prayer in which the Lord serves as our teacher.
When God's Word is both understood and followed, it is as if a light has been turned on within us. Favorite words describing that light were written by the great poet and teacher Gerhard Frost in his book "Grounds for Hope:"
"Of all the facts I daily live with, there's none more comforting than this; If I have two rooms, one dark, the other light, and I open the door between them, the dark room becomes lighter without the light one becoming darker. I know this is no headline, but it's a marvelous footnote; and comforts me in that."
No wonder, during this season, we worship the light of the world, Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Lord God, for those who have taught us the faith we give you thanks. For those who have enlightened us with your message of grace, thanks be to God. Amen