A Full Sponge


I've been reading the Psalms since the New Year as part of the church program, and recently got past the super-long 119th Psalm! It seems to be that God has an odd sense of humour. The 119th Psalm is possibly the longest chapter in the Bible with 176(!) verses - certainly it's the longest psalm - and the topic is, appropriately, loving the Word. So the question that I posed to myself that day, even as I thought about all the work that needed to be done (it was a Monday!), was do I really love the Word enough to get past the psalm that goes on and on and on. And on and on and on :)

I like to say that one of the most important reasons why we need to read the Word on a regular basis is to soak up the Word and its distilled wisdom until we are at saturation point. Then, whenever the world exerts pressure on us, just squeeze and righteousness gushes out. Or when a friend needs advice, just squeeze and wisdom comes out. Otherwise, all that comes out will be empty air. And everytime we squeeze, we should soak up again, so that we don't run out.

So, as the Psalmist says in Psalm 119:33-40

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.

Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.

Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.

How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.

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