The Glory of the Word: Random Thoughts from Psalm 119
Part 4
The 119th Psalm offers some wonderful, timely, and practical lessons for daily Christian living, nearly all of which are rooted in the power and glory of God’s word. Let us consider a few more.
Psalm 119:105
Recently I was walking through the den, as I have safely done thousands of times, when the little toe on my right foot slammed into the corner of the couch with great force. Did I mention that the light was off? Trying to navigate even a well-known route in the dark is not wise.
The word of God is designed to be “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (ESV). Regardless of how familiar we may be with the world around us, we are setting ourselves up for a lot of pain if we try to navigate it without the guidance of God’s word.
Psalm 119:106
The psalmist was clear and concise when he expressed his commitment to obeying God. “I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.”
When some folks approach the word of God, it is with far less dedication. They may pledge to follow God’s direction if they agree with it or if it doesn’t require too much sacrifice. Not so with the inspired writer here. No qualifications, conditions, or stipulations. Just a plain and simple promise to do as God desires.
Should we not do the same?
Psalm 119:110
Here the writer pictures himself as walking down a path. Ahead he sees a trap laid before him by his enemies. If he continues down the path (the path of obedience) he will be harmed by his enemies. Undeterred, he says, “I do not stray from your precepts.”
It is too often the case that we will stray from God’s will when we see that it might bring us some level of discomfort at the hands of God’s enemies. Let us make the psalmist’s decree our own and be willing to face whatever comes our way and not forsake the will of God.
Psalm 119:115
“Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.” Imbedded in this brief statement is an admission that it is harder to keep the commandments of God when in the presence of evildoers. It is easier to confess faith in Jesus while sitting in a church service than it is while sitting in a meeting of the local atheist association. It is harder to say no to the vice du jour if you believe you’re the only who will.
The same apostle Peter who said, in the presence of his fellow apostles, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matt. 26:33) also said in the presence of the accusing mob, “I do not know this man of whom you speak” (Mark 14:71).
We can decrease some temptations by surrounding ourselves with the righteous (Prov. 12:26).
 | A guest post by
|