PSALM 119

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments.

This chapter is so rich and encouraging and challenging at the same time. This verse here summarizes well what I noticed throughout the chapter: dependence and responsibility.

I’ve read Jerry Bridges refer to this when it comes to our walk with Jesus and sanctification. But it is all over these 176 verses.

Dependence: “let me not wander from your commandments”

This is a prayer of helplessness for God to move and work. He is asking God for help to not wander. To not stray. To not doubt. To not look elsewhere. Also see vs. 18, 19, 36, 38, 77, 112, 153, 154

Responsibility: “With my whole heart I seek you”

He expresses his intent and will and actions to God. He takes responsibility to seek God by going after him with his whole heart. He doesn’t sit back, passively waiting. Also see vs. 7, 11, 23, 27, 46, 47, 69, 70, 97, 99, 131, 147, 148

He takes initiative to seek God in his Word while simultaneously asking God and depending on him to move and stir and incline and open.

Lord help me to see how these are both at work. Give me strength to know you and meditate on your law and put my hope in you. And while I do that, open my mind and heart to walk in step with you. Become the joy of my heart over all other competing loves by the power of your spirit and for your glory!