Today’s Reading:
Psalm 119:17-24
“Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth, hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgements at all times. thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Remove from me reproach, and contempt, for I have kept thy testimonies. Princes also did sit and speak against me, but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.” (vv. 17-24 AKJV)
“Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land, don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.” (vv. 17-24 NLT)
The word law is derived from the Hebrew word ‘Torah’ which means to teach. And so, the law of God teaches us how to live according to His purpose and plan for us here on earth. It guides us from falling into the trap of legalism. The theme of Psalm 119 from verse one to the end, is the Word as instruction from God. Laws, commandments, decrees, precepts, testimonies and regulations. The writer is overwhelmed by God’s inspiration of His Word, its value and its significance. In our Christian faith, we stand without hesitation on the infallible Word of God. In a world that considers it unsophisticated to uphold the unerring and authoritative Word, Christians embrace the Word. Our confidence is in the Bible, and we value its reliability, because the truth of the Word leads us to the Saviour and Redeemer of the world, Jesus Christ.
By asking that the Lord should open his eyes to see the wonderous things in God’s law, the author recognises his inadequacy and the Divine Author’s sufficiency (v. 18). As citizens of the kingdom of God, believers are mere sojourners in the kingdom of men here on earth. And as such, we need the laws of God to guide us through the rough path of life. May we not be led by vagabond spirits, wondering aimlessly through the wilderness of earth, thereby missing our purpose here on earth, and our real destination – eternity, in Jesus’ name. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times (v.20). Confirms the author’s deep passion for the Word of God. And also, the deep desire of any serious believer all the time. The author of Psalm 42, in verse 1 confesses that his soul pants for God as the deer pants for water. This expression is deeper than just seeking to worship God. It is an intense, passionate zeal, longing to be closer to God. And we can only satisfy this urge by reading, meditating, dwelling upon the Word of God, and doing what it says. ‘The arrogant, who are cursed’ (v. 21) the writer admits God’s rebuke of those who disobey His law. Your statutes … my counsellors.’ (v. 24). Here, the writer admits that the counselling in the Bible is the application of the Word by the power of the Holy Spirit.
God’s word is true and wonderful. No matter the deterioration and decay in the world, believers should stay true to God and His word. The key to achieving true happiness according to the purpose and plan of God for us is to stay obedient to his law. Most times we feel constrained by the law of God to do whatever we want. Because in the world’s wisdom, the psalmist may be considered foolish by saying he rejoices in following God’s statutes as much as in great riches. God’s laws were given to free us to be all that God desires and planned for us to be. His laws restrict us from going down the path of destruction and guiding us to be our best. It is God’s guidelines to help us follow His path and avoid going astray.
Our takeaway:
I am a stranger in the earth, hide not thy commandments from me.
You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed.
This book of the law shall not depart from thy mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then, will you make your way prosperous, you will have success, and you will have peace.
The Scriptures are our guide. By following the teachings, we will avoid shame, have upright hearts, keep our lives pure, and not depart from the paths of righteousness. Then we would have peace, and good will come our way. We will pray and intercede for others, and God will hear, answer and oblige.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
1. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens.
2. Lord, let me not stray from your path, in Jesus’ name.
3. Lord, open my eyes to see spiritual truth so that I may behold wonderful things in Your Word.
4. Lord, as I move from the basics to spiritual maturity, do not let me be trapped by distractions, in Jesus’ name.
5. Keep me from spiritual and physical pride and splintering into personality groups, in Jesus’ name.
6. Instead, Lord, empower me to maintain my unity in You, in Jesus’ name.
7. Regarding the works of my hand, empower and encourage me to always walk and work in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the victory of our Saviour, and not in the motive of the flesh, in Jesus’ name.
8. Lord, we hand over our children, adolescents, young adults and older adults to your fatherly care. Be their light, save them from peer pressure and the evil grip of social media, in Jesus’ name.
9. Lord, lighten every darkness in the body of Christ, the governing body of the Church; empower them to be bold in their decisions, in Jesus’ name.
10. A country may appear to prosper outside the will of God. But everything – up to the corrupt administrators’ successes – yields to the will of God. No country is outside of the control of God, no matter the extent of its power. Lord, look down on our nation and its people, shine your light, and save us, in Jesus’ name.
Comments