Daleth and Hei

So....I went birthday shopping for you today ;) Its so much fun. I know I spoil surprises so I won't talk about anything, except for the fact that last year I couldn't buy you a card that said "To My Husband." This year, I can. I loved every minute of it today. Now back to day 4 of Psalm 119. You hit it right on the head when I mentioned that the verses were slightly repetitive. Oh, how you are the wise one my dear. Yes, there is a theme and there is something that the psalmist is wanting us to treasure, to seek, to remember, to speak, to meditate on, to listen to, to learn, and to rejoice over. That is why you are the pastor, my friend, and I am the wife....However, I get a wise word every once in a while ;) So on to Daleth, I am super intrigued by the Hebrew alphabet....I have felt pure joy while studying these past few days.

Daleth means door, which stands in the opening of the house (beth). This author explains it so much better than I could, and I think it is worth noting.

"In man's service of God, the dalet characterizes "shiflut," "lowliness," the consciousness of possessing nothing of one's own. Together with the awareness of one's own power of free choice, one must be aware that He gives you the power to achieve success, and not to think, God forbid, that one's accomplishments are "my power and the strength of my hand." Any achievement in this world, particularly, the fulfillment of God's will, depends upon Divine aid. This is especially true in one's struggle with his evil inclination, whether it be manifest as external passion, stubborn resistance to accepting the yoke of Heaven, or laziness, apathy, and the like."

Whew! Talk about a kick in the fanny! I know that everything I have ever done in my life would not have been possible without the Father. I know this merely because I know how lazy I can be...and that is where it home. For me, that is where satan works his evil and I fall for it every time. The laziness, the "too tired" to function, the comfort of my life, the complacency. It all causes lack of growth. When I am not growing and building a foundation on God's word, I am miserable. Lack of growth and staying in one place equals no growth for the Kingdom and no growth for the Kingdom is exactly what the evil one wants. Lord, get me on my feet again! Train me in your wisdom, show me how to run your course. I choose You, I choose Your path, Your way, Your truth. Build me up by Your word, Father.

Hei- expressed revelation of self in the act of giving oneself to another.

When studying Gimmel, we learned about the rich man running to the poor man to give him charity. The ultimate act of charity is giving when your identity is concealed and shut off from the receiver in order to not embarrass them. Hei symbolizes the actual gift of self to someone else.

The Message gives 119:33-40 in what I would call trendy terms:

God, teach me lessons for living

so I can stay the course.

Give me insight so I can do what you tell me-

my whole life one long, obedient response.

Guide me down the road of your commandments,

I love traveling this freeway!

Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,

and not for piling up loot.

Divert my eyes from the toys and trinkets,

invigorate me on the pilgrim way.

Affirm your promises to me-

promises made to all who fear you.

Deflect the harsh words of my critics-

but what you say is always so good.

See how hungry I am for your counsel;

preserve my life through your righteous ways!

You and no other...

KB