Readings for today: Psalms 119:1-88
Pleasure. Delight. Happiness. Goodness. Comfort. Gratitude. Blessing. These are just a few of the words the Psalmist uses to describe his devotion to the law of God. These are feeling words. Emotional words. Intimate words. They point to the relationship the Psalmist has with God Himself. One would not and could not use these words to describe God’s law if the focus was on outward obedience. No one “loves” the law. We respect it. We honor it. We obey it. But we don’t love it. We don’t have a relationship with it. But the law of God is different. Our respect and honor and obedience for God’s law flows fundamentally from a deep, intimate relationship with the Law-Giver.
There is so much fear and anxiety in our world. So much depression and despair. So much self-harm and suicidal ideation. Despite the massive, exponential increase in mental health resources and psychotropic drugs, things are only getting worse. Outcomes are not getting better. Perhaps it’s time to consider a different approach? One that treats the whole person - body, mind, heart, and soul - rather than attempt to treat only part of a person? Perhaps it’s time we took alienation seriously? Whether it’s alienation from our body that manifests itself in gender dysphoria or eating disorders or the obesity epidemic. Alienation of the heart that manifests itself in an unwillingness to forgive, inability to reconcile, and the cutting off of important relationships in our lives. Alienation of the mind that manifests itself in a lack of resiliency, inability to process bad news or disappointment, and an unwillingness to face reality. Alienation of the soul that refuses to acknowledge the deleterious impact of separation from our Creator. Alienation in any and all of these forms lead to poor health outcomes because we simply were not made a compartmentalized life.
The Psalmist hits on the secret to the Christian life. The secret to a blessed life. The secret to a fulfilling life. One filled with meaning and purpose. One marked by joy and peace. What is that secret? It’s loving God and loving His Word. Loving God and loving His commands. Loving God and trusting God enough to let go of our sinful, selfish ways of living and embrace the life He offers us in Jesus Christ. “Before I was afflicted I went astray but now I keep your word.” (Psalm 119:67 CSB) Before I was anxious and afraid but now I keep your word. Before I was depressed and in despair but now I keep your word. Before I was suicidal and afflicted with thoughts of self-harm but now I keep your word. When we live according to God’s Word, we find ourselves filled with the love and grace and peace of God. And though life may still be filled with all kinds of hardship and suffering, we endure. We persevere. We overcome. Not by our might. Not by our power. But by God’s Spirit who now lives inside us and imparts to us all we need for life in this world.
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalms 72