Psalm 119: 57-64

Scripture:
The LORD is my portion; 
      I promise to keep your words. 
 I entreat your favor with all my heart; 
      be gracious to me according to your promise. 
When I think on my ways, 
      I turn my feet to your testimonies; 
I hasten and do not delay 
      to keep your commandments. 
Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, 
      I do not forget your law. 
At midnight I rise to praise you, 
      because of your righteous rules. 
I am a companion of all who fear you, 
      of those who keep your precepts. 
The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; 
      teach me your statutes!  -Psalm 119:57-64, ESV

Observation:
-God's rules are righteous; His love is steadfast; He is to be feared.
-The one who loves/fears the L ord will keep His commandments/follwo in His ways
-We share fellowship with fellow believers.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks-©Ken Davis 2014

Application:
I sense in these verses a fervent desire to follow God.  This is not a person who would be content simply sitting in a pew on the Lord's day, occasionally picking up a Bible to read, and handing out a tract to people met during the day.  This is someone who wants to be "fully alive" for the Lord, to borrow a phrase from Christian comedian Ken Davis. (Not the Ken Davis that I am married to.)  We watched Fully Alive on Netflix instant play last night so I suppose I am being influenced this morning as I think over these verses.

Let's take a closer look at the actions of this individual in these few verses.
-a keeper of God's word
-entreats God's favor with all his heart
-thinks about God's ways
-turns his feet to follow the Lord
-hastens to keep God's commands
-At midnight! he rises to praise the Lord
-is eager to learn from God

This is someone who has put his whole heart, soul, and mind into loving the Lord.  And why does he choose to live this way.  Because he has come to know God through His word, through His promises, through His statutes.  That knowledge of who God is has caused him to respond with his whole life.   I need to have that same attitude.  I need to spend my days getting to know the God I serve-for in that process my love for Him will grow, my desire to obey will increase, my whole being will improve as I set my mind in Christ.

Grace, Peace, and Mercy,
Deb