The God We Image - Psalm 119:7

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws – Psalm 119:7 NIV

Brennan Manning said, "It is always true to some extent that we make our images of God. It is even truer that our image of God makes us. Eventually we become like the God we image."

The God we image is the God we praise. Our reflection of God is necessary especially if we are going to praise Him and thus ultimately become like Him in character and in heart.

Meaningful praise is only as good as the condition of the heart. This is why the writer says that “I will praise you with an upright heart.” The word “upright” means “straight.” It has of course moral implications. A straight heart is preferred over a crooked one. A straight heart looks upward rather than in all sorts of other directions. The quality of our worship will largely depend on the spiritual straightness of our hearts. If our hearts are right before God our worship will be accepted.

Interestingly, the Hebrew word for “praise” is yadah, and it can also mean, “to give thanks.” Some translations (NASB and the NET Bible) actually prefer to use “thanks” in place of “praise.” The idea is that deep within the visible act of praise is a heart of thankfulness. A thankful heart will produce lips of praise.

But how does one acquire a thankful heart? The Psalmist adds, “as I learn your righteous laws.” All of God’s laws are righteous. They reflect God’s heart and integrity. As a result, if we are going to be like God in character and righteousness, then we must understand His laws. His laws reflect His thoughts and of course His expectations for each of us.

The Hebrew word for “learn” (lamad) has a threefold meaning:

1. To learn – Acquire knowledge and understanding.
2. To Teach – Impart understanding to others
3. To Exercise – Live out what one learns.

Thus, to learn God’s laws is to know and understand them, teach them to others, and to live out the laws ourselves. You want to know and understand the will of God? Learn and understand His laws. You want to help others to know God’s will? Teach God’s laws to them. You want to be in the will of God? Live out God’s laws. When we do, we will have a biblical image of God and become like the God we image.