Psalm 119:9-16

Psalm 119:9-16
English Standard Version (ESV)

  This is one of those passages that is best understood backwards.  If we start at verse 15, we find that meditating on the law is where we can start.  From here, we learn to delight in the Law as much as riches, because we recognize the benefits that it brings.  When we have started to delight in the Law, we want more -- we ask for more teachings as our appetite grows.  The more we study the Bible, the deeper it gets.  The more we study it, the more we store it up in our heart, knowing it better and better with each passing hour of study.  The more room in our heart the Word takes, the less room in our heart there is to desire sinful things -- that gets crowded out by our desire for what is true and beautiful and good.  The more our sinful desires are crowded out, the less we wander, and our way is kept more pure.
  It starts with the small steps.  Any exercise plan starts with one day of exercise, and then it builds into a week, then a month, then a lifestyle.  Diets are the same, as are relationships -- they start with a spark.  If we start with the spark of the Word, that can grow into a flame that sees our desire for God increase daily.