Psalm 119: 129 - 136 (NLT)

”Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. I pant with expectation, longing for your commands. Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name. Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments. Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees. Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions.”

Do you remember your first big heartbreak? It may have been a breakup. Maybe it was someone shooting you down after leading you on. Maybe it was the death of a close friend or relative.

That was painful.

It hurt.

That is only a fraction of how God feels when people reject Him. God feels feelings, too. He feels heartache. Look at Jesus anywhere in the New Testament. He’s not a sociopath who feels nothing.



God wants everyone to know him. He wants people to be saved. This section of the psalm should spur us to spread the Gospel.

Our Hearts Should Break for What Breaks God’s Heart

V. 136: Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions.

Do we feel this way? Do we feel sad and heartbroken that people - whether intentionally or not - don’t know God?

We see Godless people everywhere. And how do we respond most of the time? With anger. We see people with signs protesting or counter protesting. They are filled with hate, malice. They are not filled with a “righteous anger.”

We should be heartbroken for these people. We should long for them to know Jesus. That’s why we are here on Earth.

Mercy is Available and It Is Good

V. 132: Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name.

God shows mercy to those who know Him and love His Holy Name. But, that also means he will not show mercy to those who don’t love His Name. We see what happens in Revelation. It’s beyond terrifying.

And we let people just head that direction? How selfish of us. Let us experience God’s Mercy so we can talk about it and show it to others.

God’s Word is Inclusive

V. 130: The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.

God’s Word is inclusive. He wants you to know and understand His laws and commands. He wants you to have a full and satisfying life. But that can only be accomplished by knowing Him.

No matter your background, upbringing, career, schooling, choices, God’s Word is for you. God’s Word is for everyone, not just who pastors and self-righteous “christians” say it’s for.

Journal Questions

1. Does your heart break for those who don’t know God?
2. Ask God for a soft heart, for a heart that bleeds for Him. Write down your prayer and listen to what the Spirit says.