November 7

Panting for His Commands 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:129-136 | Ezekiel 16:43-17:24 | Hebrews 8:1-13 | Proverbs 27:7-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:129-136

I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands (Psalm 119:131 NIV).

The psalmist describes an intense longing for God’s word and his commands. He describes it like this: “I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.”

Imagine a pet dog on a hot day running toward you, his tongue hanging out, his whole torso heaving with each breath. He runs to you filled with intense longing–seeking affection, but also hungry and thirsty for sustaining water and food. The intensity you sense in the moment, the panting after affection and sustenance is like the intensity of the Psalmist’s desire to know God through his word and to obey his commands. He couldn’t use a more intense image of longing and desire.

Do you long for God’s word? Do you go after it with panting? Is your desire to understand and do God’s will so intense that you pant after his commands? May he fill you with such an intense desire to know Him and follow his commands.

Lord, I long for time in your presence. I pant for your word. Speak to me by your word and through your Spirit. Give me an ever increasing hunger and thirst to know you more. Amen.