(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 119:129-176)

As the psalmist writes, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple,” what image comes to mind? A closed book, a scroll that is rolled up, or a letter that is folded up? What happens when we open the book, unroll the scrolls, or unfold the letter to reveal the contents?

It is this uncovering, or revealing, that we often refer to in the Bible as God’s revelation. The psalmist is praying for God to reveal Himself, and this is a gift to those that He calls His own.

Let this also be our prayer this morning,

The unfolding of Your words is a revelation of Your commands and it is in this revelation that light is given to this darkened world. In the unfolding of Your words there is understanding, where Your mysteries are revealed to the world, to those that love Your words, and to those that are captured by Your love. In them, O Lord, are Your plans, purpose, and will for all of creation. May you continue to reveal Yourself to us through Your Word.

Amen!

For those of us that are willing to pray this prayer, it will be as the psalmist writes, “My zeal has consumed me…” When the mysteries of the Lord have been revealed to us, when there is revelation and His Word is unfolded, made bare in our minds and heart, the zeal for the Lord should build up in us, consume us, and set our hearts on fire for Him.

However, will we allow God’s Word to continue to unfold in us, or will we allow the world to put out the fire in our hearts? Will zeal for the Lord consume us, or will we give up on our faith because it is easier to go with the flow of the world than to live a life that is counter to the mainstream?

As we reach the end of Psalm 119 today, may we never look at the Lord’s commandments the same again, because rather than being rules, regulations, and commands to bind us in chains, they are a revelation of God’s love, freedom, and new life in Christ Jesus.

Let this also be our prayer this morning,

The unfolding of Your words gives light, illuminating our minds and heart, and not in one moment of time, but over time, slowly revealing itself to us, consuming us, overwhelming us. If we are willing to open our hearts, humble ourselves, then to us the unfolding of Your words is truth, understanding, and life.

Amen!

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Psalm 119