open my eyes, that i may behold wondrous things out of your law. [psalm 119:18]
do we wonder, do we marvel at God’s law?
open my eyes
scripture means very little to our flesh.
the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. [1 corinthians 2:14]
have you ever seen a miracle? if the word has ever come alive for you, you have lived one. deep, life-giving understanding of the word, of God’s law is only gained by the Holy Spirit. we cannot open our own eyes to understand, and the psalmist understands this. if you struggle to find joy in and longing for the word, james has a word for you: you may not have because you do not ask. [james 4:3a] the psalmist knows this, and makes a habit of asking the Lord to open his eyes.
behold [the] wondrous things out of your law
what emotions come up when you think of God? does He seem controlling, absent, or maybe small? we are called to look at Him with wonder. we serve a powerful, present, and freedom-giving God! the wonder of the Lord is also spiritually discerned and worth asking for!
Spirit, teach us to look up to the Father in wonder! help us to long for your teaching, your word, and your laws. teach me to delight in your ways. help my soul to pant for you as the deer pants for water.
~stephen hall