Lex Rex

Did you know that King David mentions the law of God in all 176 verses of Psalm 119? When I hear mention of the law ~ my mind entertains notions of oppression, obsolescence, and negativity. For David, however, God's statutes are cause for singing and shouts of joy. Obviously David wasn't looking to the law for salvation - he was an acknowledged sinner whose faith was in the promised savior. Why, then, did he meditate on the law both day and night? I believe David recognized God's commandments as the surest way to know the personality and character of his heavenly father. God's laws are not arbitrary or just made up; but are rooted in His unchanging nature (God hates adultery because of His fidelity, e.g.). Without the law and as ones orphaned from the divine, the only clues we'd have of what pleases, vexes, and interests our heavenly Father would be from our own consciences and the natural order. Hardly enough there to satisfy the heart's desire for fellowship with the Lord. Christians enjoying the freedom won for them through the promise of the new covenant often neglect the law - what a shame. I'd really love to have the heart and mind of God and find the discernment and application of His will to be less of a struggle. I'm determined to make the meditation of the law a more regular part of my devotional life - it's easily the second greatest gift given to mankind.