"Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart," Psalm 119:2 ESV
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. In reading this chapter, which I encourage you to do, you need to be patient and take your time to pause often and reflect. The common theme running throughout is the author’s love, devotion, and respect for the word of God. Depending on which translation you read for this verse, God's word may alternatively be referred to as testimonies, statutes, and decrees. All of these meant the same thing to the author to obey the laws of the Torah. The author states that those who earnestly search for God's direction and follow His laws will be blessed.
This has not changed, as disciples of Christ, we are to cherish, respect, and obey the word of God, and in doing this we will be blessed. Where the author in Psalm 119 had the Torah, as Christian believers we also have the testimony of Jesus, including the statute in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
Why are we blessed by seeking God and following His commands? Let’s look at how God’s spiritual laws compare with the materialistic and sinful ways of the world. Where God is wise, the earth is foolish; where He is love, the world is hate; where He is truth, the world is lies, and where He is righteous, the world is immoral and unethical. It is easy to see then how in pursuing God’s statutes the blessing comes from only good things, versus the polar opposite ways of the world which perhaps brings temporary pleasure, but no lasting joy.
God, we give you thanks for your testimony. We also give you thanks for your Son, who provided a perfect example of what it means to live by your word. We ask for discernment in reading the Bible that we may know your desires for us. In Jesus’, name we pray. Amen.
