Psalm 119.10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

In most of the psalms we find praise, prayers and confessions of faith and doctrine. We have already seen this in Psalm 199 as well. In verse two he talks about the joy and blessing those who seek the Lord receive from him. This is probably what David has in mind in this tenth verse when he prays this prayer: I have longed passionately for you with all my heart, do not let me depart from your commands!

Most Norwegian versions says, I seek you (in present), while many English versions say, I have sought you (in the past). This is something that goes on throughout the different versions of the Psalms. It is translated at different times, some translations are in the present and others are in the past. I do not have enough language knowledge to say anything about what is right, but find it interesting to notice. Here in this verse (10) it is not so important, but the psalmist will emphasize that he has sought God out of the whole heart and still does so. He has tasted the joy and blessing it is to seek God and keep His word. This is something he will not lose. Therefore he prays as he does: Do not allow me to depart from your words.

In Psalm 27: 8 David says: I remember that you said, “You shall seek my face.» Your face I seek, Lord. Notice how he believes and acts on the word: You have said – I do what you have said! Now you must hear me when I pray!

It is the same attitude that emerges here in verse ten. I have sought you, I seek you daily with my whole heart, so I expect you to protect me so I do not wander from your commandments, but may continue to live in your blessing.

There is a great seriousness in this prayer, for it emphasizes an important truth: Even if we have sought God and gone on His way, it is still possible to go astray. It's a little scary and preferably something we don't like to talk about. It is not enough to start walking in God's way, but I must go on living the whole way in seeking God and keeping His words. It is not enough to start well, we must also finish well. Everyone who walks can fall. Those who have previously sought God can fall. Therefore we ask for grace: Lord, have mercy on us!

He who has the power to protect dives from falls and lead dives rejoicing and without error before his glory, he, the only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord: He belongs to the glory and majesty, empire and power of all time, no and in all practice! Amen (Jude 24-25).

“I have longed for you with the passion of my heart; don’t let me stray from your directions!” (TPT)