“Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me. I become furious with the wicked, because they reject your instructions. Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments. Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments. O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees. You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.”
Psalms 119:49-72 NLT
Contrary to what the unlearned might tell us? Part of what makes the word of God such an endearing collection of works is that despite the inability to communicate across space and time, it is unmistakably coherent. It has a rhythm and cadence that aligns with itself so well that it is called a holy book by the godly and a sacred text by the pagan. The psalmist notes that it is not simply a song but it is a theme of his own song. He notes that while he sings his song, he is able to use the scriptures as an anchor to return him back to its coherence. This is how he creates his masterpiece work; his own life. It is so coherent and so strong that it withstands attacks. It is so coherent and so strong that it stays in his mind. He wakes in the middle of the night to ponder God’s commands and give praise because of them. In understanding that Bible, many Christians do not understand it at all. They view it as a needless chore to follow its theme. And they do so without trying to understand its theme in the first place. As a result, their songs become unhinged and they are easily discordant in their lives. They are not anchored but they get lost in the melody and never find their way to a satisfying resolution. Praise God for the Bible.
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