Psalm 119:1-2 - Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!

As our Pastor said, in different words, Sunday morning: The Bible shows us early on God did not intend for mankind to live separately from Him. Everything was perfect in the Garden of Eden before Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. They did not have to work, all food supplies were available, they walked communed with God daily. They were blessed.

Many think God is distant, somewhere “out there.” Pun not intended but that’s far from the truth. He’s as near as one wants Him to be. He can be as close as within each of us. We must be willing to receive Him, take Him into our hearts, where He desires to reside. 

If one does not consider God each and every day, depending upon Him, or spending time getting to know Him or hearing Him speak through Bible reading or prayer, He will keep His distance. He will, however, respond wholeheartedly if He is sought. 

From the beginning of time till the end, God is attempting to open people’s eyes, seeking for repentant hearts to come to Him for forgiveness of sins, communion with Him, life more abundant with Him. And, yes...eternal life through Christ. It is up to each individual to do this. 

God does not change. Man does. Only one who has truly given their hearts over to Him understand, the best we can, who He is. We know what He can do, how He can change a hard heart into one pliable for His use, for receiving of His Word, His truths. Oh, those hard but lovely truths.  

We are capable of living with the presence of God in our lives if we want it. It is beneficial! Besides admonition and warning Psalm 119 gives us truths about His Word, His statutes, commandments. Knowing His commandments and living them out is part of having His presence with us to guide us. It warns against those who don’t heed His Word and encourages those who do. Here are a few of the highlights. Rather than dwell on the admonition, I’ll do a little encouraging! There are a lot!! Be blessed and receive God’s blessings for yourself. 

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.

I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope.

The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes.

You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.

Let those who fear You turn to me, those who know Your testimonies.

Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides.

You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me.

I have not departed from Your judgments, for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your name. Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.

Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.

The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.

My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.

(Psalm 119:11, 14-16, 30, 32, 34, 45-46, 49, 64, 68, 71, 79, 89-90, 98, 102-103, 105, 114, 130, 132-133, 135, 142, 160, 162, 172)