“I delight in thy law.” (Psalm 119:70)

How could anyone find the law delightful? The mere mention of law in our day conjures up images of incomprehensible tax codes, inexplicable zoning ordinances and a myriad of unintelligible ballot initiatives. It’s so impersonal; nothing more than complicated black and white barriers that fence us in and deny simplification. 

To most people today, God is a doctrine, not a reality. What they know of Him is merely the black and white that appears on Scripture’s sacred pages. They know Him impersonally, but not experientially. They know some black and white scriptural statutes, but have never viewed them through the colorful prism of a personal relationship with God. Therefore, God’s law to them is monochrome and dull, not multicolored and vibrant.

To the Psalmist, God’s law was personal. It was a personal word from God to him. It wasn’t just a listless list of dos and don’ts, but a personal guide to life. Behind every law was God’s infinite love. God had prescribed it in order to steer the Psalmist clear of the pitfalls of life and to guide him into a most gratifying life. Is there any wonder, then, that the Psalmist prayed, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (Psalm 119:18).

“Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!” (Clara H. Scott)