The Living Word

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

I've been looking at Psalm 19 for some months now, and while I easily affirm the beginning and its end, to be honest each time i hit the middlish bit about the law and statutes- at least 6 descriptions of them- i'd skim, wondering many times how someone could praise rules so effusively.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

It struck me as strange, because I tend to think of regulations as limiting, definitely a dragging down of a free spirit. whoah/we're halfway there/whoahhh/livin' on a prayer, etc and that sounds more exciting than

9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

Just being honest here. But yeah, this morning I sit here and type because I'm finally closer to the side of the psalmist- this morning I agree with him.

'It's in the relief of darkness that light is loved'. (relief in the sense of contrast.) something i realised this morning and suddenly i have gained that more understanding. it's only when face to face with darkness and the consequent fear that God's precepts and commandments get their true valuation- kind of like an inherited knight's armour: it's ungainly and awkward but when the time comes and the fight must be fought that the one inside finally understands the value of its weight.

so yes, now i can echo with the psalmist,

10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

Amen.