Lord, Teach My Heart to Love Your Way

“Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.”

— Psalm 119:35 (KJV)

Yesterday I saw the psalmist ask God for strength to walk in His ways. Today he asks the Lord to teach, give understanding, and lead him. He even asks God to incline his heart toward His testimonies.

I admire his eagerness. He does not treat God’s commandments as an interruption to his life. He delights in their path and longs to keep them to the end. I wish my appetite for God and His Word were more like that.

This passage reminds me that I can ask for that appetite. The psalmist prays, “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.” He asks God to turn his eyes away from vanity and give him life in His way. He knows how easily his attention and desires can drift.

I know that too. I can read God’s Word and still spend more of my energy wanting what the world puts before me. I need more than a reminder to try harder. I need the Lord to guide both my steps and my heart.

There is real goodness in His ways. Lord, teach me to treasure Your Word, turn my eyes from empty things, and help me delight in the life You are calling me to live.

Reflection

Do I merely know what God asks, or do I seek Him for a heart that delights in His ways? What is drawing my eyes away from His Word?

Prayer

Lord, teach me the way of Your statutes and give me understanding to keep them. Lead me in Your path, incline my heart to Your testimonies, and turn my eyes from things that cannot give life. Grow in me a real delight in Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.