Day 305 - Job 29-30 & Psalm 119

 Michelle

At the beginning, Job is remembering times when he was on top of the world and everyone looked to him in awe.  At least this is what is sounds like as he recounts all the things he has done in his life.  But then it goes on to tell of how all those that once looked to him in reverence, are now mocking him and he seems to be still waiting for death.  Not wishing for it like before but more like he is expecting it at this point as he talks of his physical suffering.  

This is an extremely long psalm.  The entirety of this psalm is about keeping to God's commands or decrees and never straying no matter the situation.  The verses that really stand out to me and seem to sum up the entire psalm are these:  105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path; 133 - Direct my footsteps according to your word, let no sin rule over me; 169 - May my cry come before you, Lord, give me understanding according to your word.  Throughout the psalm there are many situations the writer seems to be going thru and overall he keeps turning to God, in praise, for direction and understanding, and for wisdom.  It seems to be the instruction to do so and to seek understanding and guidance.  The other verse that made me stop and think is 164 that says, "Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws".  This made me ask myself if I am praising or thanking God enough each day or if I am praying enough.  Not sure what triggered this though.

Julie

That is how I read it today too. He just seems to be matter of fact about it.

I am going to have to come back and read this one again. I was very focused on the fact that each of the stanzas is a Hebrew letter and I was trying to remember them as I read. I did get that they were focused on praising God's laws, commandments, and statutes and claiming great love for all of it and their devotion to them. I would say that if you talk to God about all things you are praying to him and if you thank him for what he has done for you when he answers then you are thanking him enough.