What Does Psalm 119:64 Mean to Me?

John Baiamonte, Ph.D.

Grace Memorial Parishioner, Vestry Member, and Christian Education Leader

You may have noticed that I have taken a respite from writing my blogs for personal reasons. Well, things are better now, and I am back. I was writing about the writings of Brother Lawrence, but I crashed and burned with that blog, and it nearly cost me my friendship and love of someone who I deeply respect.

I was going to return with a blog on the use of Artificial Intelligence by the Episcopal Church, but then I realized this morning that I could not finish the blog for inclusion in the upcoming Grace Newsletter. AI will be covered in the next newsletter.

So, this morning I was struck by the meaning of what I found in line 64 of Psalm 119, which reads as follows: “The earth O, Lord is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes,” This line makes an important claim that the reality of our Lord is manifest in the world all around us, but do we notice it. Sometimes I do, but not always.

Unfortunately, in this modern world I live in with the internet and social media, I find myself failing to notice and appreciate God’s love. I have to admit that checking my email and text messages does not allow me to slow down and notice the presence of God all around us in the blue sky, budding trees and flowers, the chirping of birds, and yes, you my fellow parishioners.

You might remember my blog where I experienced the presence of God when I lived in California. I can’t go back to the Sierra Nevada Mountains again, even though I am dying to go. The point of Psalm 119:64, is that the ever presence of God is in all things and people. For me that Bridal Wreath waterfall was God’s love pouring out on earth.

A mini-version of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is all around my house, but my yards are in shamble from two years of neglect because of my illnesses. My birdhouse, which is built as a replica of a church, is laying on the ground hidden by weeds, My bird feeder is empty, and my water fountain is dry and full of dirt and leaves. My flower beds are bare and filled with leaves.

I still see God’s presence in my yard, but barely, and He is telling me, or yelling at me, to go out to Lowes Garden Center this weekend and replenish my discipleship so He can teach me His statutes. As I close, I now realize lines 173-176 are also appropriate: “Let your hand be ready to help me [Lord] for . . . I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.”