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— they do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
—-Psalms 119:1-8

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Aleph א: Blessed In Seeking
By Jennifer Kane

Upon the path so wild and steep,
Through valleys dark and waters deep,
I seek my Lord with burning zeal,
A love no trial can repeal.

His promise shines—a guiding star,
No shadow hides Him from afar.
He reigns in might, at God’s right hand,
His enemies beneath His stand.

Through storms that rage and fears that rise,
My heart is fixed, my spirit flies.
No doubt can shake, no foe can bind,
For Christ’s own strength upholds my mind.

I drink the stream along the way,
Refreshed in mercy day by day.
His scepter rules, His truth is light,
His love compels my soul to fight.

Not earthly gold, nor fleeting gain,
But righteousness is my refrain.
To seek, to serve, to bow, to stand—
A treasure placed in heaven’s hand.

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Scripture: Psalm 119:1-8

To seek God with my whole heart is the desire that burns within me. I long to walk in His ways, to be counted among those whom He calls blessed—the ones who are undefiled in the way. But I stumble. I make mistakes. There are days when my heart feels divided, when the weight of sin or distraction pulls me away from the path I want to follow. Yet even in my weakness, my soul cries out for God.

Seeking Him with my whole heart means more than fleeting moments of devotion; it is a pursuit, a lifestyle, a commitment. It is not about perfection but direction. My heart must be set on Him, even when I falter.

The call to obedience is clear. God has commanded, not suggested, that I keep His precepts diligently. But I know my own weakness—I cannot do it on my own. This is why my prayer echoes the psalmist: Oh, that my ways were directed! I need God’s grace not only to desire His ways but also to walk in them.

This longing is not one of despair but of dependence. It is an acknowledgment that apart from Him, I will stumble. Yet He is faithful to strengthen me when I call upon Him. My desire to obey is not in vain, for He is the One who directs my steps.

There are times when I read God’s Word and feel the weight of my shortcomings. His commandments shine a light on areas where I fall short, where my heart is not fully aligned with His will. But rather than turning away in shame, I am invited to press in deeper.

Shame is the fruit of sin, but grace is the gift of God. When I look into His commandments with a heart willing to be changed, I find not condemnation, but transformation. His Word does not shame me—it shapes me.

Even in my imperfections, I will praise Him. My heart’s desire is to live a life that reflects His truth, but I know I cannot do it alone. My cry—Oh, do not forsake me!—is not one of fear but of deep longing. I need Him every moment.

Seeking God with my whole heart is not about having it all together. It is about returning to Him again and again, letting His Word shape me, letting His grace sustain me. Even when I stumble, I will seek Him, for He is faithful.

Are there areas in my life where my heart is divided in seeking God? How can I cultivate a deeper love for His Word? What does it mean for me personally to seek Him with my whole heart?

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Lord, I desire to seek You with my whole heart, yet I confess my weakness. I stumble, I fall, but I do not want to turn away from You. Direct my steps, teach me Your ways, and strengthen me to walk in them. Let me not be ashamed when I look into Your Word, but let it shape me into the person You call me to be. May my heart be wholly Yours, today and always. Amen.

February 11 2025