Your decrees are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
With open mouth I pant,
because I long for your commandments.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your custom toward those who love your name.
Keep my steps steady according to your promise,
and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
My eyes shed streams of tears
because your law is not kept. ~ Psalm 119:129-136
One thing I love about the Psalms is how intimate they are. Psalmists don't hide from God their feelings: anger, sorrow, fear, worry, joy, love...
Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm. It is an epic Psalm spoken by one whose love for God is overwhelming!
In these few verses we get his highs and lows: the longing for God's commandments; the desire to obey God; the prayer for safety.
And the sorrow at a life that hasn't lived up to that longing: weeping that God's law hasn't been kept.
Each Sunday we begin worship with a confession, but I admit that I understand why in the Catholic church individual confession is prized. With loved ones with whom we are intimate, we more freely admit when we have wronged them. I know that when my husband is able to articulate to me what it is he's done that hurt me, I am drawn closer to him.
When we are able to speak like that to God - to come to God with our tears of repentance - that intimacy blooms.
Do you desire intimacy with God? Can you, like the Psalmist, come to God with a prayer of repentance?
If so...take a moment to do so now.