33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep thy law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of thy commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to thy testimonies,
and not to gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
and give me life in thy ways.
38 Confirm to thy servant thy promise,
which is for those who fear thee.
39 Turn away the reproach which I dread;
for thy ordinances are good.
40 Behold, I long for thy precepts;
in thy righteousness give me life!
Psalm 119:33-40 (RSV)
Then following this same theme, there’s a personal favorite of mine, Psalm 119:165.
“Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.”
Psalm 119 is a very encouraging and uplifting Psalm. What a testimony to God’s word. It was written during a time before the inauguration of the New Covenant, by people who did not have the privileges and blessings we have today after Christ’s perfect, finished work. And yet, the author overflows with genuine love and devotion for God. He seeks to obey God and His law because he loves God with everything He has, not because He fears God and wants to avoid punishment. This is another reason why I cannot get on board with some classical dispensationalists who seem to suggest the impetus for obedience and sanctification were different under the Old Covenant.