Thoughts for the Day

I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law....
Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I fulfil your commandments.
My soul keeps your decrees;
I love them exceedingly.
I keep your precepts and decrees,
for all my ways are before you...

My lips will pour forth praise,
because you teach me your statutes.
My tongue will sing of your promise,
for all your commandments are right.
Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
Let me live that I may praise you,
and let your ordinances help me.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today we look at a passage from the Book of Psalms, and from that giant among psalms, number 119 with its 176 verses and its eight synonyms for the 'scripture', and its acrostic nature that uses each letter of the Hebrew alphabet to introduce different verses on the subject of God's word. Scripture is described as a "delight" for "The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (v72); it evokes love for God "for it is sweeter than honey" (v103); and ultimately it is awesome because it is the voice of God. Besides this, the writer points out the benefits of reading scripture, offering a light to our path, and a life other than the one on this earth. He hopes for salvation (v166), and finally declares his longing to be saved from the dangers of this world (v174).

We too live in an unsettled world that affects our life. Too many of us are stressed and worried about many things, all of which turns us inward on ourselves. The writer of Psalm 119 insists that we should read our scriptures and reach out to God. In a dangerous world he still has hope, and he longs for God to save him. How much more hope should we have today knowing that Jesus came to offer us salvation, and that the Holy Spirit is to be called upon to help us.

One definition of hope is to cherish a desire with anticipation. It is how we are to feel as Christians. I have hope, even when I feel I am sinking under worries, based on my reading of scripture that God sent His Son to offer us eternal life. For that I praise God each day.

Holy Spirit,
power of God,
who came to inspire the disciples,
increase our hope this day
that as we confess our sin
so we may be offered salvation
and given eternal life.
May we be given the gift of hope
that as we draw near to You
so You will increase our anticipation
of a future with You.
Amen.