15th Sunday after Pentecost, September 6, 10:30am
Sermon Series: Deeper in Faith
Sermon: Longing for God
Accompanying Scripture: Psalm 119 : 33 – 40
Longing for God
Psalm 119:33-40 9/6/2026
The writer of Psalm 119 was clever. It’s the longest of the Psalms, 176 verses! I read only a selected passage this morning…you’re welcome! Each section of this Psalm begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Therefore, there are 22 sections.
Each section reaches out to God for understanding of Torah, God’s law. The psalmist is up against some difficulties, and he speaks of them through the desire to understand God’s law.
Can you hear the longing in his words? His deep desire for further understanding of God’s ordinances. I wonder if tears stained part of the original manuscript.
Yet, there is also joy. Joy in knowing God. Joy in knowing that God’s laws are just and worthy to be followed. Joy in even a cursory understanding of them. Joy in knowing God.
He is the quintessential Faith seeking Understanding. His prayer is long, but never
dull. His questions seek answers that will deepen his faith.
Where are you on your journey with God? Perhaps you’re feeling strong in your walk in the Way of Jesus, who reminds of God’s law and how to use it.
Maybe you’re tired and wiped out by life. Your faith in God is there, but you haven’t
talked with the Holy One in a long time.
And maybe you’re somewhere in between. Busy or bored? I have a friend who says
that winter is the season when he has nothing to do at his job and all day to do it!
What do you seek from God?
The Psalmist seeks to know God through God’s Law. The basis of the law is what the Jews call “The Ten Words.” We call them the “Ten Commandments.” They tell us how to treat God and how not to treat God. They insist on a day of rest. The body needs time to refresh itself. Then it tells us how to love our neighbor: don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie about others, don’t go after your neighbor’s belongings, family, or “stuff.”
In other words, love God, love neighbor.
This week, you’ll have the opportunity to dig into your prayer life. Is it life-giving or
not? Do you worry about being angry with God, afraid that God won’t like you
anymore? Would you like to find different ways to talk to God?
We have provided a small workbook for you to take home. This is not an exhaustive
treatise on prayer. It’s meant to open you up to new ideas. We hope you find ways to go deeper with God, just as the Psalmist is asking.
Each week we’ll have a new workbook for you. This week, of course, is about prayer. The following week will be repentance, followed by forgiveness and grace. Each workbook has between two and five exercises to help you in your devotions.
To further your journey, we’ll meet for Bible Study each Wednesday from 4:30 to 5:30. Join us at the church or via Zoom. Bring your workbooks, along with your questions and any aha moments you experienced.
The Psalmist spent 176 verses yearning for a deeper relationship with God. I suspect we are also looking for depth in our own journey with God. We will learn from each other. We will experience the presence of God’s Spirit.
I look forward to hearing your learnings when we meet on Wednesday.
All glory and honor be to God.
Amen.