March 7

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.  Psalm 119:2

This verse is a significant statement highlighting the crossroads of action and affection.  This second verse, found in the longest book of the Bible, defines what it means to be blessed.  Often used in the Psalms, the Hebrew word for “blessed” is ashrey.  It’s not just a happy or good kind of feeling.  Blessed used in this verse refers to a state of being - where one feels “right” and “at peace” with God and the world.  It is a deep-seated feeling not dependent on changing circumstances but on the constant and steadfast character of God.   

What is the basis for this blessed (ashrey) feeling - state of being?  The answer is two-fold.  This first part is external - “keep his statutes.”  It is much more than just obeying a list of rules that God has for us.  It’s not about being able to check off a list of things done well.  “Keep” used in this verse means to guard or protect something precious and of great value.  A watchman guards a city.  A shepherd protects his sheep.  A gardener protects what she has worked diligently to grow.  To keep God’s statutes are to protect and treasure them.  To keep God’s statutes is to guard them so they’re not lost, ignored, or compromised in any way.  They are top priority.   

The second part of the basis for being blessed is to seek God with all of one’s heart.  Think about the times you’ve lost something of value.  Likely you spent much time (and resources) looking for that item.  Maybe it consumed large amounts of your time - spending “day and night” looking for the lost or misplaced item.  You didn’t quit until you found the item.  This is how we are to seek God with all of our heart.  It is a relentless searching.  It is looking for God 24/7.  We give it our all and pour ourselves into the pursuit of finding God.  It is pursuing a relationship with God with every fiber in our body.  We search and we look knowing that He will be found (Deuteronomy 4:29).  What a rich and blessed reward!

Father - Thank You for the promise that there is “blessing” - a deep peace - found walking according to Your Word.  Help me to keep Your statutes giving me strength to always choose Your way.  I also give You my affection and ask for an undivided heart - one that seeks You every moment of each day.  Give me a hunger that can only be satisfied by Your presence.  In Your name we pray.  Amen