Hooked on God's Word
The letter "Tsadhe" has a wide range of connotations. It's associated with a fish-hook and all the thoughts that go with a lure: To pull or draw in, something inescapable or desirable. As such it also represents trouble and hunting. On a completely different tack it can also imply righteousness. Not many of us can stay up late and get up early. There are some things that we are willing to "burn the candle at both ends" for.
The Psalmist will do it for God's Word.
He is in need of help. He is looking for answers. His enemies who devise wicked schemes are near and he is under pressure. He makes a decision to spend time with God's Word. He chooses a lifestyle where he can begin and end each day with a reflection on God's Word.
The idea of a "quiet time" - a time we set aside to read the Bible, reflect on it and pray - is not new. Throughout the centuries this discipline is has been seen as a fundamental to meaningful spiritual growth. These days of traffic, rush and scurry militate against our spending time with God like this, but as we find (make) time to eat and wash, we should be finding (making) time to read and reflect on God's Word and talk to Him in prayer.
The Psalmist's practice is helpful. He uses the parallels of morning and evening to highlight the basic framework. So,
- Rise early and at night, keep your eyes open.
- Cry for help, put your hope in the Word, meditate on the promises.
- It does not need to take long - go for quality and not quantity.
- Once you get into it, you will be amazed at how refreshing it is to body and soul.
Over 37 years of following Christ, I have found a clear pattern: I become selfish, ineffective, unproductive and lack courage when I neglect the daily routine. But I grow spiritually, handle challenges better and am more of a blessing to others when I have a simple daily pray-read-meditate routine in place.
God's Word leads us to His righteousness - we can take this "bait" or our enemies will hunt us...
| Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right. 138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. 139 My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. 140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. 141 Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. 143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. 144 Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live. (Psalms119:137-144) |
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