Read Psalm 119:129–136
Questions from the Scripture text: What are wonderful (Psalm 119:129a)? What is the right response to this (verse 129b)? What does the opening/declaration of God’s words give (Psalm 119:130a)? What does it give to whom (verse 130b)? What did the psalmist desire (Psalm 119:131)? How much? What did he ask God to do to him with relationship to Him (Psalm 119:132)? With relationship to sin (Psalm 119:133)? With relationship to oppressive men (Psalm 119:134)? So that the psalmist would be able to do what? For what joy did the psalmist ask? (Psalm 119:135)? And what grief did he express (Psalm 119:136)?
What does a life of worship look like? Psalm 119:129–136 looks forward to opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a life of worship sees the truth about God, and about ourselves, forming longing for Him by His Word.
It is against the backdrop of the wonderful God and His wonderful testimonies (Psalm 119:129a) that we understand ourselves as being in darkness, being simple (Psalm 119:130). But this God declares His Words to us and solves our darkness and naiveté. Our soul must long for His commandments (Psalm 119:131) to keep them (Psalm 119:129b). Are your longings characterized by this desire? Ultimately, it is a desire not just for His Words, but for His grace. Mercy that directs our steps and frees us from sin (Psalm 119:132-133) and arranges providence to enable our obedience (Psalm 119:134). The shining face of favor that teaches us such love for His Word (Psalm 119:135) that one of our most intense griefs is for it not being kept (Psalm 119:136).
How does your longing for God and His Word appear in the habits of your life? In your emotions?
Sample prayer: Lord, Your testimonies are wonderful, and the declarations of Your Word give light. We pant with longing for You in Your Word. Shine Your face upon us, teaching us, Yourself, through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP119R “Your Testimonies I Have Kept” or TPH119Q “Wonderful Are Your Statutes, LORD”
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