The Way of Faithfulness

"I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me" (Psalm 119:30).

I'm stuck in Psalm 119 lately, ever since reading an illuminating article about it by--who else?--Dr. Powlison, for my class. Not long ago I was reminded of an unusual Bible-reading program: rather than the typical "read through the Bible in a year" plan, you read one book twenty times, until it's a part of you. I like the idea--and since Psalm 119 is longer than a lot of books, I figured it was as good a place as any to start.

I've been through it about seven times now, and I'm trying to journal about verses that stand out to me. John Piper once said:

I know not how the light is shed,
Nor understand this lens.
I only know that there are eyes
In pencils and in pens.

How true that proved to be this morning! As I reflected and wrote on verse 30, thinking I understood it sufficiently, new illumination came mid-sentence.

At first I'd seen the verse as a declaration of commitment: I choose to be faithful; I choose to follow God and walk in His way faithfully. Then I suddenly realized: The way of faithfulness is the way of the Faithful One. I must choose to pursue faithfulness, yes--but beyond that, I cast myself on the One who alone remains Faithful, even when I am faithless.

So when I choose the way of faithfulness, I am choosing to walk with the One who will not leave me or forsake me, whose steadfast love endures forever. I choose the way of Faithfulness.