Psalm 119:131

Psalm 119:131

Panting for the Word

In the previous verse the author was “unfolding”, it must have been an energetic task because now he is panting! It certainly seems that his pursuit of God’s laws has been a demanding endeavour, but the words here suggest that it is not so much physical exercise that is causing him to pant, but thirst! A longing for more, a desire to drink and drink deeply, an all-consuming craving for satisfaction. What a spiritual man he is, that the commands of the Lord God should cause such a passionate yearning. Most of us will find this hard to understand.

Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of the writer, there are no public libraries, no local bookshops, no internet, no media inputs into his life. Access to documents and readable literature is confined almost wholly to the Scriptures and these were often the only source of information and education to all generations at that time. What is more, the psalmist believes these words to come directly from God and that in them there is everything he needs for a full and successful life. He recognises that this Word of God is far more than just a list of dos and don’ts, it is the only code by which he might find access to the Lord and comfort for his own soul. Therefore, he pants for these things, he longs for more, he aches to be satisfied deep within.

I know believers who rarely read the Word of God, who take little interest in its treasures and whose knowledge and understanding are very superficial. How can this be? Isn’t faith a journey of exploration that requires a map and a guide that can only be found in God’s Word? Why would any one pay lip service to Him but have no intention of discovering more? Is it possible to know the Lord but have no interest in knowing Him better? Food for thought. 

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