Not Merely Walk but Run

Psalm 119 has much to say about the beauty of following God’s laws and statutes.

In verses 1-2, we read, “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”

In this chapter, we ready how to keep ourselves from sin: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (v. 11)

And we see how the psalmist saw God’s law as a source of great joy: “I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” (v. 14)

As we consider the world we live in—and, more importantly, our own hearts—how many of us can truly say we “rejoice” in following God’s commands? 

• Do we rejoice in loving those around us who seem unlovable or do we instead pride ourselves on ridding our lives of “toxic people”? (Matthew 5:43-48)
• Do we rejoice in telling the truth about our own failures or wrongs even when it means we may lose the job, the promotion, the award, or do we decide to trade our integrity for accolades? (Proverbs 12:17)
• Do we rejoice in honoring our parents regardless of whether we agree with them? (Exodus 20:12)
• Do we rejoice in looking not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others? (Philippians 2:3-4)

I’ve definitely fallen short in some of these areas.

But Psalm 119:32 says, “I will [not merely walk, but] run the way of Your commandments, when You give me a heart that is willing” (Amplified translation).

Not merely walk but run…

We should love the laws of God so much that we full-out run in pursuit of them. 

To be sure, Scripture also talks about “walking” in the commands of the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:6). So walking certainly isn’t a negative. But the psalmist paints a picture of loving God’s commands so much that we rush to follow them.   

Loving God’s commands can be hard, particularly when they are hard commands (and let’s face it, most of them are). 

But the best way to love the law is to love the Lawgiver. God’s love for us enables us to love Him (1 John 4:19).

And as we grow in love for Him, we recognize—and grow to love—the beauty of His commands.