Take the time

My mother tells the story. Her dad was going blind. So every morning she or her sister would stop by the home where he stayed. And read the Bible to him. 

One particular day, Mom was in a hurry. On a tight schedule. She rushed in with no time to spare. Out of breath and talking fast. “So, Daddy, which chapter do you want me to read today?”

In his slow Southern drawl, Grandaddy said “Well, how about Psalm 119?” 

In a rush

We’ve laughed about that story. And my grandfather’s sense of humor when his daughter had places to go and people to see.

The truth is, we often live life that way. In a rush. Not making room for the Word of God. Much less, the longest chapter in the Bible. 

We live forgetful. Of its priority. Hesitant to take the time when we’ve got so much to do. 

We miss its strategic importance. And need that long prayerful read in the Word.  More than ever.

The psalmist

To be honest, when I was younger I found it odd that the psalmist in Psalm 119 waxed eloquent about laws. And ordinances. And statutes. 

I went back and checked to be sure.

Indeed. There they were. Laws. Ordinances. Statutes. 

So, I found it odd. Until I began following his example. 

Seeking after God

The psalmist asks. Pleads. Pursues. Seeks after God.  Spends time in prayer and meditation on His Word.  

It’s true. The more I truly seek God—in prayer, asking the hard questions, listening, reading and dwelling on His Word—the more I desire Him. The more I hunger and thirst for His Truth. 

And over the years since that journey began, I’ve followed the thread of His purpose and plan. Woven throughout the law and prophets and poetry. Leading to the power of the gospel. The beginnings of the Church.

And culminating in the future vision of that glorious Day. When those from every nation, tribe, people, and language will gather around the Throne. Knowing and worshiping our Lord Jesus Christ.

I understand why the psalmist waxes eloquent.

Psalm 119

Travel through the stanzas of Psalm 119. Listen and learn. The psalmist proclaims His Word is better than gold or silver. Sweeter than honey. Perfection without limit. 

A vast treasure.

His Truth helps us see. As a lamp to our feet, a light on the path. Full of insight. And wisdom.

His Word gives life and hope. Comfort and joy. It is our delight, our counselor.

The psalmist declares that the entirety of His Word is truth. Altogether trustworthy. 

Righteous forever. 

Take the time

So when you find yourself in a hurry. Rushing past what is true and needed. Stop. 

Take the time for a slow, meditative walk through Psalm 119. Ask Him to make you hungry for His Word. For Himself. 

He will do it.

What about you?

Do you remember when you first began to taste and see that the Lord is good? What helps you stay on track daily in the Word of God? Which passage are you spending time in today? 

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