Psalm 119:20 At All Times

My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 

Psalm 119:20

At all times?

Are you sure you're consumed with longing for God's laws at all times? For all of God's laws?

Are you consumed with longing for His laws when someone has disrespected you, robbed you, or abused their authority over you? No, I don't mean the obvious laws against disrespect, robbery, and abuse of authority. How about this law:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Matthew 5:38-42

Are you consumed with longing for His laws when non-believers treat you poorly and make it difficult for Christians to practice their faith freely? Again, I'm not talking about the laws condemning persecution of God's people. Those are too obvious. How about these principles:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything
. . . Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:2-4,12

Are you consumed with longing for His laws when you're deeply troubled by the actions and words of the president (either the current president or previous ones)? Besides the laws against whatever ungodly policies or behaviors are troubling you most. Instead, check yourself to see if you long for these laws:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

I Timothy 2:1-4

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

I Peter 2:13-17

Are you consumed with longing for the laws of God when you see people who are enemies of God and all righteousness being praised and granted special rights and privileges? No, I'm not talking about the obvious laws against their unrighteousness. I'm talking about the laws spelling out the righteous response you should have toward them:

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Luke 6:35

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing

I Peter 3:9

Dear Lord, plant in our hearts a deep longing for all of your laws, at all times, especially when we'd rather pick and choose which laws to follow.