I cry with all my heart, “Answer me, O Lord” — Monster-psalm Meditation #19

I cry with all my heart; answer me, LORD, and I will obey your decrees. [Psalm 119:145]

This section of Psalm 119 has several consecutive lines which begin with the word “cry” partly because every line in this section has to start with a ק and the word “cry” in Hebrew is קרא. But it brought an interesting point to mind as I was contemplating it. Does crying out to God count as worship? I would say yes and I would say furthermore that this single line, “I cry with all my heart, ‘Answer me Lord,’ captures what we are doing every time we worship.

My zeal wears me out: Monster-psalm Meditation #18

My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. Psalm 119:139

I resonate with this verse way too much. Isn’t this verse the battle-cry of all the angry, sanctimonious Christian bloggers whether we’re raging against those liberals or those fundamentalists or those mainliners or those evangelicals? Since my enemies ignore “your” words, God, I will SCREAM LOUDER.

Your words’ opening brings light: Monster-psalm Meditation #17

Your words’ opening brings light; making the simple understand. Psalm 119:130

God’s word is a word that opens, and in that opening, light comes forth. Think about what that means. A word that closes is a word whose purpose is to preemptively stifle a response. “Because I said so!” is a good example of a word that closes. There is no light brought forth with a phrase like that. When a child hears that kind of phrase from a parent, its purpose is not to bring about deeper insight into the parent’s reasoning but to end the conversation. Thankfully God does not say this to us.

They have voided your Torah: Monster-Psalm Meditation #16

Psalm 119:121-128

I have done what is just and right;
   do not leave me to my oppressors.
Guarantee your servant’s well-being;
   do not let the godless oppress me.
My eyes fail from watching for your salvation,
   and for the fulfilment of your righteous promise.

I Hate Opinions, But I Love Your Torah: Monster-psalm Meditation #15

Psalm 119:113-120
I hate opinions,
but I love your law.
You are my hiding-place and my shield;
I hope in your word.

A Lamp Unto My Feet: Monster-Psalm Meditation # 14

Psalm 119:105-112
Your word is a lamp to my feet
   and a light to my path.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
   to observe your righteous ordinances.

All day long it is my conversation: Monster-psalm Meditation # 13

Psalm 119:97-104
O how I love your law! All day long it is my conversation.
From my enemies, your commandments make me wise: for they are ever with me.
From my teachers, I have understanding; for Thy testimonies are my meditation.
From my elders, I understand, because I have keep Thy precepts.

On your justice stand all things: Monster-Psalm Meditation # 12

Psalm 119:89-96

Your word, LORD, is eternal;
   it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
   you established the earth, and it endures.
On your justice stand all things,
   for all things serve you.

My Soul Languishes for Your Salvation: Monster-Psalm Meditation #11

Psalm 119:81-88
My soul languishes for your salvation; I hope in your word.
My eyes fail longing for your word, saying, When will you comfort me?
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke; yet I do not forget your statutes.
How many are the days of your servant? When will you judge my persecutors?
The arrogant dug pits for me, which are not according to your Torah.

May the Arrogant Be Put to Shame: Monster-Psalm Meditation #10

Psalm 119:73-80

  Your hands made me and formed me;
   give me understanding to learn your commands.
 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
   for I have put my hope in your word.
 I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous,
   and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.