First, I love your law (113-120). When the Psalmist had to live among evildoers he took refuge in the word of God. It was not as a means of escapism. He took refuge to put his hope in the Lord and his deliverance. God became his source of life. He learned that the wicked may seem intimidating in light of the ways of this world, but in the end they are like dross, and they will come to nothing. There he learned God's awesome and eternal nature. Then he could fear God and love his word. Second, I am your servant; give me discernment (121-128). The power of God's word is that it has the ability to reveal God to us. When we are met with opposition in this world we see no relief or justice. But when we meet God in his word he gives us discernment. We meet the Lord who has been bearing men's sins on himself with love. Through his word we meet God who has bound himself to us in all of our sufferings. There we see his word unfolded before us. We have light to see his mercy. The hope of eternal redemption brings us to tears, as does the weight of sin that he bears. Obedience to God's word gives is a new and glorious lens with which to discern God's presence in this world.
Application: Lord, help me to love your word, that I may know your glorious presence.
One Word: Love God's word, discern his presence