Here are the verses that grabbed my attention this week and why:
v. 133 “Direct my footsteps according to your Word; let no sin rule over me.”
It wasn’t enough for the Psalmist to just know what God’s Word said, he wanted his life to be dictated by God’s Word. And he knew that if this were true then sin would not rule his life.The familiar maxim comes to mind again – Sin will keep you from God’s Word or the Word of God will keep you from sin. So the Psalmist did two things: 1) He spent time reading and learning and pondering the Word of God and 2) He prayed – he prayed that God would use the Word in the Psalmist’s life to “direct my footsteps.” This is a great example of how the Word of God and prayer go hand in hand. As you read, pray. And when you pray ask God to work his Word into your life in practical ways.
v. 135 “Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees.”
Knowing the Word of God wasn’t just a mental exercise for the Psalmist. He didn’t read and ponder so that he could impress people with how much he knew. He did so in order to know God. This was the desire of his heart. And he knew that hearing God’s voice through His Word was the pathway to seeing His face. There is a huge difference between reading the Bible and hearing the voice of God. I’m reminded of what David prayed in Psalm 27:8 – “My heart says of you, “Seek His face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
v.136 “Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.”
The Psalmist was a passionate man. This is quickly obvious as you read through Psalm 119. He was passionate about God’s Word. He was passionate about knowing God. He was passionate about hearing His voice and seeking His face. But he was also passionate about God’s glory. This verse reflects his passion to see God honored and obeyed. And when people do not give God the honor that is His due it literally brought the Psalmist to tears. Question: As you and I look around at our world and see the egregious way that people have rebelled against God are we brought to tears? Do we have the same kind of passion that the Psalmist had for God’s glory. And if not, why not?
I’m just sayin’!
Next Week: Psalm 127