Psalm 119: Life, Not Just Law

The psalmist sings of the strength, the support, the comfort he derives from God's law, the Torah.  For much of Christian history, what we call the Old Testament has been caricatured by many in the church as a statutory straitjacket for the spiritually narrow-minded; Jesus came to replace this prison with new life.  But Jesus never made such a claim.  He said he had come to fulfill, not replace, the law.  The kind of fulfillment he had in mind is given voice by the psalmist.  God's law, the Torah, and for us in this day and age, the Christian faith and church, are meant to give life.  They aren't meant to hem us in but to help us live fully as children of God.  This knowledge is especially valuable in times of trouble; at those moments, when all seems lost, a life with God offers a support that can never, ever be taken away.  Talk about a great comfort! Talk about a source of strength!  Talk about a life-giving, life-affirming blessing!

Psalm 119:49-72
49  Remember your word to your servant, *
because you have given me hope.
50  This is my comfort in my trouble, *
that your promise gives me life.
51 The proud have derided me cruelly, *
but I have not turned from your law.
52 When I remember your judgments of old, *
O LORD, I take great comfort.
53  I am filled with a burning rage, *
because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54  Your statutes have been like songs to me *
wherever I have lived as a stranger.
55  I remember your name in the night, O LORD, *
and dwell upon your law.
56  This is how it has been with me, *
because I have kept your commandments.
57  You only are my portion, O LORD; *
I have promised to keep your words.
58  I entreat you with all my heart, *
be merciful to me according to your promise.
59  I have considered my ways *
and turned my feet toward your decrees.
60  I hasten and do not tarry *
to keep your commandments.
61  Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, *
I do not forget your law.
62  At midnight I will rise to give you thanks, *
because of your righteous judgments.
63  I am a companion of all who fear you *
and of those who keep your commandments.
64  The earth, O LORD, is full of your love; *
instruct me in your statutes.
65  O LORD, you have dealt graciously with your servant, *
according to your word.
66  Teach me discernment and knowledge, *
for I have believed in your commandments.
67  Before I was afflicted I went astray, *
but now I keep your word.
68  You are good and you bring forth good; *
instruct me in your statutes.
69  The proud have smeared me with lies, *
but I will keep your commandments with my whole heart.
70  Their heart is gross and fat, *
but my delight is in your law.
71  It is good for me that I have been afflicted, *
that I might learn your statutes.
72  The law of your mouth is dearer to me *
than thousands in gold and silver.

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