“The Unfolding of Your Words”

“Oh how I love your law!
    It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
    for it is ever with me...

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path…
Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
    for they are the joy of my heart…

Your testimonies are wonderful;
    therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
    because I long for your commandments…

Your promise is well tried,
    and your servant loves it…
Your righteousness is righteous forever,
    and your law is true.
Trouble and anguish have found me out,
    but your commandments are my delight.
Your testimonies are righteous forever;
    give me understanding that I may live.

I rise before dawn and cry for help;
    I hope in your words.
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
    that I may meditate on your promise.” Psalm 119:97-98,105,111,129-131,140,142-144,147-148

Opening an envelope and then the enclosed letter, unwrapping a gift, unfolding crisp tissue paper to reveal the gift wrapped inside… There is nothing like the sweet anticipation, the savored blend of heartbeat and hand, before a treasure is discovered, and made all our own. Ah, what light and delight the unfolding of God’s word affords!

His word reveals with brilliance who God is, His infinite attributes, His perfect character. The longer we meditate, the more we see; the more we see, the greater we love and adore.

“With you is the fountain of life;
    in your light do we see light.” Psalm 36:9

Unfolding God’s word shines light on what God has done for us. From beginning to end, the Scriptures trace the blood red thread of Jesus Christ: in the early garden promised, in the middle praised and prophesied, in the gospels presented and proclaimed. We see His pursuing conviction, perfect redemption, precious salvation, persistent sanctification.

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul 
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole 
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me 
Thy great salvation so rich and free.” ~Besse Sykes (1905-1986) and Seth Sykes (1892-1950)

God’s word is a companion on our daily journey of wisdom, understanding, and help. It supplies appropriate words, teaches right thinking, inspires our work, warns of coming dangers, exposes temptations, strengthens resolve, bouys hope, and directs our steps.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8

Unfolding God’s word- before dawn, at noonday, or in the dark of night- opens to us the Light of the world to flood our hearts, adorn our countenance, and grace our heads with His radiance. We cannot look into it without being changed; it bubbles joy out through our affection and ministry to others.

“Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed...“ Psalm 34:5

What will we do, or adjust, to make God’s word our meditation all the day? What voices need to go so we can best establish this habit of His word first?

“Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2

Lord, keep me panting for and delighting in Your word, so graciously unfolded and opened to me.