Psalm 119:97-120: Law for Life

There are times during Lent when I resent the small disciplines I've adopted.  I really, really want a cup of coffee (and given that I drink decaf, this is admittedly pathetic).  I really, really don't want to write a reflection.  Maybe I can take a break, skip a day, I muse.  But I know that if I drop the ball, I'm going to experience an acute disappointment.  That's not because I'm particularly holy, but because I know in my gut that these Lenten disciplines aren't shackles, but opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.  This perspective is what shapes the psalmist's paean to the law, the Torah.  Those statutes and commandments, so often misunderstood by the Pharisaical,  derided by misguided Christians over the years, were never intended to hem in God's people but to help them live fully in God's kingdom.

Lent is a time for us to reflect upon and reevaluate how we understand the demands and traditions of our faith.  If we're lucky, when we're done, we'll be moved to sing a song of joy.

97 Oh, how I love your law! *
all the day long it is in my mind.
98 Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, *
and it is always with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, *
for your decrees are my study.
100 I am wiser than the elders, *
because I observe your commandments.
101 I restrain my feet from every evil way, *
that I may keep your word.
102 I do not shrink from your judgments, *
because you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste! *
they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 Through your commandments I gain understanding; *
therefore I hate every lying way.
105 Your word is a lantern to my feet *
and a light upon my path.
106 I have sworn and am determined *
to keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am deeply troubled; *
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.
108 Accept, O LORD, the willing tribute of my lips, *
and teach me your judgments.
109 My life is always in my hand, *
yet I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me, *
but I have not strayed from your commandments.
111 Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; *
truly, they are the joy of my heart.
112 I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes *
for ever and to the end.
113 I hate those who have a divided heart, *
but your law do I love.
114 You are my refuge and shield; *
my hope is in your word.
115 Away from me, you wicked! *
I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live, *
and let me not be disappointed in my hope.
117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe, *
and my delight shall be ever in your statutes.
118 You spurn all who stray from your statutes; *
their deceitfulness is in vain.
119 In your sight all the wicked of the earth are but dross; *
therefore I love your decrees.
120 My flesh trembles with dread of you; *
I am afraid of your judgments.

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