The Psalmist declared, “Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.” (Psalm 119:129) God’s testimonies excite wonder and admiration and are marvelous and amazing. Meditating on God’s word causes one to admire God and realize how great He is. This produces a desire to keep the commandments of His word.
“130) The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. 131) I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.” (verses 130, 131) God’s word gives light and understanding. It provides wisdom to those who need it most. The Psalmist so desired the understanding given by God’s word that he panted and longed for God’s commandments.
The Psalmist pleaded with God to look upon him and show him mercy. He asked God to keep iniquity from having any control in his life. “132) Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. 133) Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” (verses 132, 133) Even if sin is all around me, the word of God can still keep me from sin. God will order my steps and be merciful to me if I look to Him and love His name.
Once again, the Psalmist looked for the light of God’s approval. He did not look to fit in or to get approval from man but was content to please God and have God shine upon him. “134) Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. 135) Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.” (verses 134,135)
When the Psalmist saw others living a life of sin, it grieved him very much. It brought sorrow to him. He declared, “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” (verse 136) Does the sin around me grieve me this much? It should? Do I desire the light and favor of God when all around is the darkness of sin? I should.
Lord, help me to desire Your word and Your favor and Your light and Your direction. Thank You for providing it.