A thought from Psalm 119

Psalm 119 is one of the most well known Psalms, and of all the chapters of that book, 119 is the longest. One of the most popular verses from Psalm 119 is verse 105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Growing up I sang churchy songs about this verse and probably had to memorize it in every Sunday school class that I had as a child (which I appreciate greatly!). However, I never really read the verses around it. I just took it at face value. I took it to mean that God's Word, the Bible, will guide my steps and teach me how to be a better person. It will teach me how I should walk, talk, think, feel, and act....right? Isn't that what Christianity and the Bible is for?

That line of thinking has lead individuals away from their faith and for others it has created a spirit of legalism and comparison theology - always sizing ourselves up against others to help ourselves feel better. If we look just above the verse and check out 119:103, we a see a totally different attitude towards the scriptures. "How sweet are Thy words to my taste. Yes, much sweeter than honey to my mouth."

Far too often, do I open the Bible looking for it to tell me that I need to work harder at being nice, patient, forgiving, and loving. At times I have a 15 minute quiet time hoping to learn something or have God give me a theological point to ponder for the day. Rarely do I open the Bible and simply ask God for refreshment. I don't expect the words to be sweet. I expect them to be informative, historical, educational, or challenging. But according to verse 103, the author finds them sweeter than honey.

I think we approach God the same way...expecting to be taught, chastised, scolded, or just tolerated. We have pictured God as a distant deity that tolerates us and gave us a book about how to appease Him.

As I continue asking God to examine my heart, this issue came up. All too often do I see the Bible as a text book or a source of curriculum, and I see God as some intimidating professor grading my work and my life and loving me based on how well I preform.

I pray that this Lent season, I will begin to see God's Word as sweeter than honey, as a refreshment, a breath of fresh air, and as hope, love, and the clearest venue through which God has shared His heart with man.

So Father, soften my heart. Help me to not come to you with an agenda or out of obligation, but may I seek you to know you more, to be intimate with you, and to taste the sweetness of your word and the freshness of your spirit. Thank you, Lord. -- Amen