Lord, Help Me Obey Without Delay

“I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.”

— Psalm 119:60 (KJV)

As I continue through Psalm 119, I am amazed by the psalmist's passion for the Lord and His Word. He says, “Thou art my portion, O Lord.” God Himself is what he treasures. When he considers his ways, he turns his feet toward God's testimonies, and then he makes haste to obey. He does not want to put it off.

That challenges me. It is possible to admire God's Word and still delay doing what it says. I want to have a heart that moves toward obedience when the Lord shows me His way, rather than waiting for a more convenient time.

His gratitude amazes me too. At midnight he rises to thank God for His righteous judgments. Even in the middle of the night, his thoughts return to the Lord. I often use wakeful hours to think about my concerns. I want to learn to thank Him there as well.

The psalmist also calls himself a companion of those who fear God and keep His precepts. His love for the Lord shapes the people he walks with. I want friendships where we encourage one another to honour God and stay close to His Word.

Lord, I do not know how to reach that kind of eager love by my own effort. But I can come to You and ask: teach me Your statutes, help me obey without delay, and fill even my ordinary nights with thanksgiving.

Reflection

When I know what God's Word asks of me, do I obey promptly? Can I turn a wakeful night into a moment of thanksgiving?

Prayer

Lord, You are my portion. Give me a heart that responds to Your Word without delay. When I wake in the night, turn my thoughts toward gratitude. Surround me with people who fear You and help us encourage one another to follow You. Teach me to love Your Word more deeply. In Jesus' name, amen.