Psalm 119:9-16

I will meditate on your precepts, and fix my eyes on your ways. (Psalm 119:15, NRSV)

If we were to consider each Psalm to be one “chapter” of Scripture, than Psalm 119 is far and away the longest chapter in the Bible. It is a reflection on the goodness of God’s Torah (from the Hebrew word meaning “law” or “instruction”). Throughout the 176 verses of this Psalm praising God for the gift of Torah, there are a number of striking images, but one of the most striking has to be here in verse fifteen. We twenty-first century Christians are an increasingly visual people, as technology continues to change the way we receive information on a daily basis. With that in mind, there is a lot to love about the idea of “fixing our eyes” on God’s ways! In a world that is always vying for our attention, what would it look like to be fixated on kindness and mercy, on justice and peace, on righteousness and holiness? What would it mean for us to spend our days looking for the signposts that God has placed before us to guide our steps? Today, I invite you to “fix your eyes” on the things of God. What do you see that usually escapes your notice?

Righteous God, you guide our steps by your word of Law and Gospel. Remove the scales that obscure the path you have set before us, that we might walk in your ways today and always, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

– Pastor Andrew Chavanak, St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church (20th & Towle)