Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Wednesday, March 4, 2015     

Psalm 119: 73 – 96

A is for Apple, B is for Boy.  We have all seen or heard lists or poems that follow this alphabetic patter.  Psalm 119 is like that.  Each section of 8 verses is devoted to a letter from the Hebrew alphabet, with each of the eight verses beginning with that letter.  Our reading today is based on the tenth and eleventh letters, JOD and CAPH.  The entire Psalm focuses on the gift of Torah, God’s law.

In the JOD stanza, the Psalmist begins with the assertion that he knows that God has Himself created him physically. This verb is expressed in the past.  The following verses are in the present tense and expressed as requests, even polite commands.  (Let …)  In the Message, this is made clear by the use of “Now” before each request.

Now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you. 

Oh, love me – and right now! – hold me tight!

Now comfort me so I can live, really live;

Let the fast talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;

Let those that fear you turn to me for evidence of your wise guidance.

Let me live whole and holy, soul and body.

Throughout the passage, the Psalmist also refers to the trustworthiness of God, His Word and His promises.  This is a confident, trusting attitude that has a positive ring to it.

The following section seems to come crashing down from the emotional high of the previous section.

I’m homesick – longing for your salvation; I’m waiting for your word of hope.  My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise; How long must I wait for your comfort?

I can honestly say that both sections ring true to my experience and I am sure to all of our experience: there are times when we feel like we are on the mountaintop – the sureness of God’s presence, His power, His glory all move us to praise and joy, to confident expectation.  But there are also times when we feel exactly the opposite – bereft, downcast, beaten up by life.  It seems like circumstances and people are all against us and we do not know how we can face another day of it.  Like the Psalmist we cry out in desperation to God:  Help!!  I need you NOW!!

The end of this section, although not happy or even relieved, does express hope and determination: I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.  In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word.  God is not the only one to act here – we must too.  We must choose to “keep a grip” on God’s wisdom, believing, knowing that His love is great and ours, looking forward to being able to live as He wants us too.  Jesus promised the gift of God’s Spirit to live within us.   God is not far away.

Blessings

Ann Kelland