I Will... - Psalm 119:13-16
“With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” - Psalm 119:13-16
We must see, at first glance, what great confidence the Psalmist has in the Lord. He says, “With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth” (v. 13 NASB). Notice that what is hidden in his heart does not stay there, it is not kept from the ears of others. He refuses to conceal this majesty from any person, but instead, he speaks them. He declares the excellency of all that God has chosen to reveal, in the carrying out of his duties as ruler, in his execution as a prophet writing Psalms, and in his common discourse. We learn here, that not only should we speak of nothing other than what God has spoken, but also that there is nothing of greater value and utility than to convey the words of the Living God. In verse 12, David pleads with God to be taught his statutes, and now we see him declaring what God has filled his heart with (Luke 6:45).
Take notice of this next, for it will give life to us. The testimonies of God are compared to “all riches.” Lest we be quick to overlook this fact, but if we have hidden the word of God in our hearts, we have obtained a wealth that is like all the riches this world could ever offer but is of course far greater, for these riches are eternal, and are not destroyed by tiresome pests (Matthew 6:19-21). The testimonies of biblical characters lift the word of God above necessary food (Job 23:12), declare it greater than all owned possessions (Matthew 13:44), and deem the pursuit of it and obedience to it more superior than individual gain (Acts 2:41-47).
Additionally, see that many have the habit of speaking the things of God with the intent of being seen and known (Matthew 23:5), but this is not so with God’s servant. Although he declares the truth of God with his mouth, when he is alone he is still communing with God and fixing his eyes upon him. God’s words are the subject of his thoughts. By this, we can know our own disposition.
More than the pleasures of this life, is the satisfaction of God’s word. From the king’s lips, we know that riches and fame are but mere shadows when one has the ever-abiding word of God to store in their heart. We must resolve never to forget God’s word; literally, cease to care, or ignore it. We are blessed with riches beyond measure, and God almighty has given himself to us to store in our hearts. Delight and do.
