The Ardent Pursuit

Psalm 119:131 says, “I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments." 

David eagerly seeks the Word of God.  Some men lust after women.  Others after food.  The psalmist fervently desired the Word of God.  It is his one and only longing.  It fills his thoughts and consumes his mind.  He is so obsessed, if you will, with the Scriptures, that he cares about nothing else.

I know it sounds little bit extreme, but I believe this is how it should be with us.  If you think about it, there is nothing more worthy of our desire.  The only thing that will satisfy us fully is the Word of God and the God of the Word.  These are the only things that will bring us life.  God’s Word guides and instructs.  It leads us on the path of righteousness.  Really, it is more valuable than much gold.  Don’t you think that we should be focused on something valuable, and worthy?  What is more worthy than the Word of God (by Word here, I mean both the inspired Word of God given to us in the Bible, and the person of Jesus Christ, who, as John describes, is the Word)?

We too should ardently pursue the Word, by reading and meditating on it daily.  By it we will grow and mature in our faith with the Lord.  As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  Beyond that, we will also learn about the God of the Word.  As a result, His praise will flow from our lips, as sparkling water from a fountain.

Although, because we live in this world, we will not be able to spend all our time with the Word, we should be able to devote our free time to its pursuit.  How much time do we spend on the internet?  How about the television?  These things do not satisfy us, they are not worthy of our pursuit.  Maybe we should consider trading them for something that will really edify us: God’s Word.  And even when we don’t have the time to physically sit down and read something, we always have the verses we’ve memorized available for meditation.  Whenever we find ourselves with a free moment, let us spend it with eternity in mind.  May we too open our mouths and pant with longing for the Word of God.