Desire Truth – Psalm 119:131

Ps 119:131 I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for Thy commandments.

This is a pretty descriptive set of words. It paints a picture for us of the great desire the Psalmist has for Truth. You might even want to start at the beginning of Psalm 119 and mark each time God’s word is mentioned. There are several references used for the word: law, way, testimonies, commandments, precepts, word, judgments, statutes, saying.

opened <pa’ar> to yawn, open wide
mouth <peh> can also mean mind, speech
panted <sha’aph> to inhale eagerly; desire earnestly, devour

Let’s remember the writer of these words. David endures imprisonment, accusation and persecution because of his love for God. Throughout this entire Psalm, he continues to reign in the love he has for God’s word. He recognizes his need at all times of his life, whether he is in adversity or prosperity. In all circumstances, the Psalmist calls upon the word of God for his sustaining comfort and encouragement.

“I opened my mouth wide and panted” is a fairly descriptive picture.
The words to inhale eagerly, desire earnestly, devour are indicative of serious need and want. Think of a newborn baby who has slept for six hours then wakes with an insatiable hunger for its mother’s milk. It is impossible to appease the infant with anything but what is desired. There is nothing else that will fill its need!

Picture a puppy inhaling its food. It seems as though it just can’t get enough and the only thing on its mind is to eat.

David explains his words to us: “for I longed for thy commandments”. His desire for God’s truth is strong. Think of the word yearning. I love this word used in connection with God’s word because it describes a prolonged desire or need, a need that is never completely filled. Let me explain: We will never get enough of the Truth. There is always more. More insight, more encouragement, more instruction, more conviction, more knowledge of God’s love for us and how unfathomable it is! Heaven forbid we ever get to the place where we think we are finished studying God’s truths. The Bible is not a course we take and complete, it is a life-giving, life-sustaining gift from the very mouth of God. It is to be treasured, pondered over, and used frequently. How strong is your desire to know God? Can you affirm with the Psalmist his words, “I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for Thy commandments”?

Ps 42:1-2 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for Thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?
Ps 63:1 (A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.) O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; my soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Ps 84:2 My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Ps 119:20 My soul is crushed with longing After Thine ordinances at all times.

One of the commentaries I read used the word zeal to describe the affection David had for God’s commands. To be zealous for something is to have a feeling of strong eagerness towards it; excessive fervor, prompt willingness. May we be accused and found guilty of our excessive love for God!
Do you drink to your fill in God’s word or just sample and taste?
Many of us have that one favorite food that is difficult to pass up. For some, it may be a salty potato chip or buttery popcorn, for others it may be a form of chocolate, perhaps it’s a nut of some kind. If you eat just one, you desire more. It invokes a craving that can’t be satisfied. But, alas, hopefully you use restraint and limit yourself to a reasonable serving.

With God’s word there is no suggested portion size. God ahead and feast on His truth. Let Him increase your appetite to know Him. As you taste what He has for you, your desire will grow for more. It’s true! Spurgeon says, “When the word really enters the soul, it creates a strong desire for more holiness”.
In God alone will His children find contentment.
Ps 81:10 “I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.

 

Author: Sharyn Balogh

You know it's difficult to write about yourself. The most important fact I can disclose is that I'm saved by God's grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My desire is to live a life honoring to God in response for the gift of salvation I've been given. This is so much easier said than done! I struggle daily with right choices, right words, right thoughts, and right actions. My best and only defense against sin is the power of God in me and for that I am inexpressibly thankful. I have three amazing grown-up children who have responded to God's call in their lives along with their spouses. One of the great joys of my life is knowing my children and their families strive to serve and follow God. My grandchildren are another wonderful joy in my life! My husband and I are blessed with four beautiful grandchildren to date with another expected very soon on September 12th. We also are thankful for the comforting knowledge that an additional three of our grandchildren, a set of twins at three months gestation and a little boy, Isaac, at four and a half months gestation, are in our Savior's presence. I have attended the same church since the day my eyes were opened to Truth over thirty years ago. How fortunate it is to have been led by God’s hand immediately to a church body that follows the Bible, no man-made doctrines, just the Word clear and strong. My husband is my best friend, my confidant, my encourager, and I still can't believe how blessed I am by his example of love and generosity towards everyone around him. He is God-fearing, compassionate, and kind and I have learned so much from him. I am a daughter to my almost 92 year-old mother, sister to three brothers, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, neighbor and friend. That means, whomever is reading this, we probably have something in common! I love every unique role I have been placed in. I'm frequently stretched and sometimes feel like silly putty that wants to bounce right back into my comfort zone. My greatest ambition is to be a follower of Jesus; a light that shines for Him at all times, in all circumstances. So, there it is, a bit about me. I guess I was able to write about myself after all! However, my existence cannot be defined without Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. His love has permeated my life to His glory and my eternal thankfulness.