Scripture Focus: Psalm 119.54-55
Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law.
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Reflection: My Theme, His Law
By Lauren Mulford
In Psalm 119:49–72, the psalmist says the law gives hope, comfort, joy, humility, contentment, and gratitude. He says God’s decrees are his theme. His theme is his purpose and highest delight, how he derives his essence. Is the theme of my life supposed to be “Christ” or “God’s law”?
I’m struck by how life-giving the law is for the psalmist. Can I be honest with myself? I wonder if I love the law of God like the author does. Does God’s law give me life? Or am I using New Testament passages to excuse my ignorance of the law of God?
I want to pursue God’s heart like this psalmist. If I walk by the Spirit, I will produce spiritual fruit reflecting God’s heart. When I love the law of the Lord, I follow God. When I study the Old Testament, I meet God. I don’t need to force Christ or the Holy Spirit into passages because the Father is there, and Christ is his exact representation (Hebrews 1.3). The more I grow in knowledge of the Old Testament God, the more I grow in knowledge of Christ (see Luke 24.27). Once I realize that Christ is the theme of God’s law, my life’s theme unfolds. In uniting to his law of love, Christ becomes my theme.
In verse 66, the psalmist writes, “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.” I can only trust what I know.
Psalm 119 was styled to be easy to memorize by the early readers. Similarly, I like to set verses to catchy tunes to memorize and meditate on throughout the day and especially when “night” comes, that is, any time in my life that I can’t see clearly. I remember his law and his word. Having God always on my mind helps prevent falling back into my old sinful ways.
To make Christ my life’s theme, I must internalize his law. God’s law and Christ’s law are the same. Christ completed the law and summarized it as loving God and loving people.
The more we study the Old Testament, the more we see God’s love for mankind. The more we reflect on his love for us, the more loving we become. As we grow in love, the more practical and self-sacrificing we become just as Christ’s life was sacrificed. Our offerings are tiny compared to what was given for us!
Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting
Whom have I in heaven but you? And having you I desire nothing upon earth. — Psalm 73.25
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Today’s Readings
Isaiah 51 (Listen 4:35)
Psalms 119.49-72 (Listen 15:24)
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