You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.
—Psalms 119:57-64

~~~~~

Heth ח: With All My Heart, I Run
By Jennifer Kane

You, O Lord, are my portion—
nothing else compares.
At dawn, I seek Your face,
Your love lighting every step.

My soul wanders, restless,
but in Your presence, I find home.
Leaving the night behind,
I move forward,
guided by Your words.

No turning back—
not for doubt, not for fear.
Storms rise, voices call,
but my gaze stays fixed
on heaven’s skies.

I cry out,
and Your mercy meets me,
a lifeline in the trial,
a refuge in the storm.

I walk among those who fear You,
who burn with love for Your truth.
At midnight, my voice lifts—
a song of Your faithfulness.

The earth overflows with Your love,
each sunrise a whisper of Your glory.
Teach me, Lord,
to run this race with all my heart.

~~~~~

Scripture: Psalm 119:57-64

The moment we choose to follow God is the moment we declare, “You are my portion, O Lord.” It is a recognition that nothing else will satisfy our souls but Him. This declaration is both a comfort and a commitment—God is enough for us, and in response, we seek to live according to His word.

Yet, in our desire to walk in obedience, we realize our own insufficiency. The psalmist cries out for God’s mercy, acknowledging that our strength to follow Him does not come from ourselves but from His grace. Our obedience begins with seeking God’s face, desiring His favor, and relying on His mercy to sustain us in this journey of faith.

True repentance and transformation begin with self-examination. When we take time to reflect on our ways in light of God’s word, we recognize where we have strayed and where we need to turn. Blaise Pascal called this “the turning point of man’s character and destiny”—when we not only acknowledge our wrong path but also take decisive action to change course.

Notice the urgency: “I made haste, and did not delay.” There is no room for hesitation when God calls us to Himself. Just as Lot’s lingering in Sodom put him at risk, delaying obedience can keep us entangled in sin. The turning point comes when we not only recognize God’s way but also hurry to walk in it.

Walking in obedience does not mean we will be free from trials. The psalmist speaks of being bound by the cords of the wicked, yet his response is unwavering faithfulness. When we follow God, opposition may come, but we must remain anchored in His word.

Even in the darkness—whether literal or figurative—our hearts should be drawn to worship. The psalmist rises at midnight to give thanks, showing that devotion to God is not limited to moments of ease but extends even into the hardest times. Our faith is not only tested in adversity but also strengthened through it.

Turning toward God also means turning toward His people. As we align our lives with His ways, we find ourselves drawn to others who walk the same path. Fellowship with fellow believers strengthens our faith, encourages us in trials, and deepens our understanding of God’s word.

God’s abundant mercy is throughout the earth and we should be asking to be taught His statutes. This is the heart of a disciple—one who has chosen God’s way over their own and who continually seeks to learn and grow in His truth.

Have you truly made God your portion, finding satisfaction in Him above all else? Are there delays in your obedience to God’s calling? What is holding you back? How can you cultivate a habit of worship, even in difficult times?

Take time today to reflect on your spiritual walk. Write down any areas where you have been hesitant to follow God fully. Then, make haste—commit to an action that aligns your life with His word. Whether it’s repentance, obedience in a specific area, or seeking godly fellowship, let today be a turning point where you hurry to God with all your heart.

Heavenly Father, You are my portion, my joy, and my refuge. I seek Your face with all my heart, knowing that only in You will I find true peace. Teach me to walk in obedience without hesitation, to turn my steps swiftly toward Your ways. In trials, may I remember Your faithfulness; in darkness, may my voice rise in praise. Surround me with those who love and fear You, that we may walk together in truth. Fill the earth—and my heart—with the fullness of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

February 19 2025