The Romantic Draw of God’s Word.

“This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.” - Psalms 119:56 (ESV)

The opening of this Psalm speaks of the blessed man. This is one who walks in the way of the Lord, who is blameless, who keeps his commands. One very unique aspect of the writing of this Psalm is simply the language used. It interchanges law with word, precepts, commandments, testimonies, statutes. Here it uses a lot of legally connotated phrases to express God’s way. It takes a very authoritative stance on this matter. “Diligently keep, command, make me.” These suggest a very authoritative view of God’s law. This is why a lot of Christian traditionalists often hold a very angry view of keeping God’s law. Why law-based believers are so lifeless and dry.

Their view of God’s law is a very one-sided view. In this passage, we also see a lot of romantic language. “Longing, delight, meditate, lead me, teach me, I love, gives me life, comfort, and walking.” These all show us a marvelous truth about God’s commands. His law is our delight! For a believer, walking with the Lord isn’t this lifeless, legal contract, but rather a romantic invitation to delight in. All creation reveals this truth. In the Christian life, we should find our hope and joy in the way of God. His word is life. This is why believers who neglect to be in the word of God, often their souls feel lean. Now this doesn't mean that following Jesus is this overly hippie love story, but it is a life lived. God’s law is both romantic and authoritative. So must our life walked with Christ be.

Balanced between a sweet romance, and a steadfast stance on truth.