Psalm 119:54 Your decrees are the theme of my song
    wherever I lodge.

Psalm 119 is so long, we tend to overlook verses in it, particularly since every one of the 176 refer in some way to God’s law. Even so, it was something of a surprise to be struck by this verse just now. The NIV misses this particular nuance, but both the ESV and the Japanese pick up on the idea of the writer being on a journey, so anywhere he stays is impermanent. We tend to struggle with this idea, because we don’t like to confront our own impermanence, but it is vital to making the best use of however much time we have. The younger a person is, the more they tend to feel they will live forever, even though the pace of change is very high. In Psalm 39 David focused on the shortness of human existence, saying that we are “but a breath.” (Psalm 39:5, 11) That awareness is actually very valuable. Leisure and relaxation are important, but we become experts at wasting time, and that is sad. Jesus explicitly took His disciples away at times so they could rest, undistracted by the crowds, so such things are not a waste of time, but too often we lose sight of the reality that we are here for a purpose, and we have limited time to fulfill that purpose. The details of that purpose differ for each individual, but the central elements are what Jesus expressed as the two greatest commandments: loving God, and loving people. (Matthew 22:36-40) In that context, what this verse says about God’s law being our song becomes very meaningful. Laws provide a framework, stability, and music provides pleasure, enjoyment, and emotional release. Taking pleasure and comfort in God’s truth brings the best of everything, helping us recognize the task at hand and do it with all that God has provided. We are indeed on a journey through life, as countless people have recognized down through the ages, but God wants us to sing as we go!

I had a real lesson in this yesterday, taking my first ambulance ride and spending a few hours in the emergency room. The immediate benefit to me was releasing each of the upcoming things on my schedule to God, knowing that they are His business more than they are mine. It was good to be assured that my symptoms weren’t from a stroke, but it was a strong reminder of my impermanence. I am “back to normal,” whatever that is, now, but with a renewed awareness that I am accountable for each minute. Each of the things coming up on my schedule involve interactions with other people, so I am to be faithful as God’s agent in each one. I am not to take myself too seriously, but rejoice that God can use even such as I am to touch and bless others. I am certainly expert at wasting time, so I need discernment to both recognize what God wants me doing and to do it, not making excuses. There are three specific things on my schedule today, but lots of time between and around those things. I am to seek my Lord first in everything, so that I will hear and follow His directions, for my blessing, the blessing of those around me, and His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all You brought us through yesterday. It was rough on Cathy too, with a reversal of our usual roles as to who is the caregiver. Thank You that we can trust You with everything on our schedule, not just for the next two weeks but for the rest of our lives. Help us indeed rest, relax, and rejoice in You, just as You have told me to do, not wasting time but doing Your will, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!