Listen

The Lord’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The Lord’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. The Lord’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The Lord’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. Honoring the Lord is correct, lasting forever. The Lord’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! They are more desirable than gold— than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey— even dripping off the honeycomb!

Psalm 19:7-10

Think

I have a 3-year-old daughter, and she is at the stage of asking “why?” in order to make sense of the world. Lately she’s been very curious about what toys can go in the bathtub and which cannot. She will hold up a metal train and say, “mama, can this go in the bathtub?” I respond, “No.” She asks, “Why not?” She’s slowly figuring out the laws of the bathtub. Plastic toys are ok, toys with batteries are not. She’s making order out of her world, freeing herself up to play. She is teaching me that I need to explain to her the purpose – the why – of things.

Our passage for today begins by saying the Instruction of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.

Our world is often chaotic, and the Psalmist lifts up why the law matters. It brings order and, with it, freedom. Do you see God’s law in the same way?

Susan Sytsma Bratt

Pray

Dear God, thank you for your desire to be in relationship with us, guiding us toward whole living in your world. Help me to live your law of love for self and neighbor today. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.

Go

Go out into God’s world in peace.

Have Courage.

Hold onto what is good.

Return to no one evil for evil.

Strengthen the fainthearted.

Support the weak.

Help the suffering.

Honor all people.

Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.