Every so often I get an urge . . . a bee in my bonnet . . . the need to address a situation . . . something “goes off” in me that says it’s time to rearrange the furniture in a room. Most often it’s driven by a perception that the room is looking overcrowded . . . that there’s too much stuff and it looks untidy . . . and that, somehow, by rearranging the stuff I’ll make more room. Now my wife has a way too simplistic approach to an overcrowded or untidy area . . . take stuff out. Nah . . . too logical . . . too easy . . . for me, it’s about rearranging stuff! Now, I know in my head that it really all comes down to capacity . . . that any given space can only hold so much . . . that you can’t put a gallon of water into a two quart container . . . that you need more space if you want to keep more stuff. And, it seems from reading Psalm 119 this morning, that the psalmist knows that too.

“I will run in the way of your commandments when You enlarge my heart!” (Psalm 119:32 ESV)

The psalmist continues his impassioned plea to God for the knowledge and understanding of His ways . . . “give me life according to Your word” (v25) . . . “teach me Your statutes!” (v26) . . . “make me understand Your precepts” (v27) . . . “graciously teach me your law!” (v29). But how does mortal man take in the mind of God? How can ways that are higher than our ways and thoughts that are higher than our thoughts possibly fit into our brains. There’s only so much capacity in these mortal minds. Rearrange all you want, without additional capacity it just ain’t gonna happen. It’s like trying to fit an ocean in a cup.

And so, the psalmist’s acknowledgement . . .

I will run when You enlarge my heart . . . I will soar when you provide capacity for understanding Your ways. When You free my heart from that which clutters it . . . when You make broad and roomy pastures in which Your word may abide . . . when You prepare the soil such that it is ready to receive the planted seed and bear much fruit . . . then will I be able to take it in . . . then will Your word be able to take me in . . . and then will I walk in the way You desire me to walk.

This isn’t just a book sitting on my desk in front of me . . . it is the mind of God provided for the mind of man . . . the things of heaven revealed to those on earth. And, the ability to contain this vast storehouse of heavenly treasure is less about my intellect and more so about my heart. The needed capacity for containment isn’t just between the ears, but in the very depths of my being and will. And apart from the work of the Spirit of God to enlarge my heart, I can try and cram as much as I want in there . . . rearrange it however I want . . . and it won’t make much difference . . . my life will still be untidy and encumbered. But oh, when God, through His Spirit, graciously provides the capacity . . . when He enlarges my heart . . . then watch me tank up and take off!

What a blessing to be able to be taught of God concerning His ways . . . what privilege to be illuminated through His Spirit concerning matters of divine revelation . . . oh, that I might desire and cry out for the capacity to take it in.

It’s like trying to fit an ocean in a cup . . . but with God all things are possible. Amen?

Enlarge my heart, Lord!