In The Word
Read: Psalm 119: 25-48
Daleth.
25 My soul cleaves to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.
26 I have told of my ways, and You have answered me;
Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts,
So I will meditate on Your wonders.
28 My soul weeps because of grief;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
29 Remove the false way from me,
And graciously grant me Your law.
30 I have chosen the faithful way;
I have placed Your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies;
O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I shall run the way of Your commandments,
For You will enlarge my heart.
He.
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law
And keep it with all my heart.
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies
And not to dishonest gain.
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity,
And revive me in Your ways.
38 Establish Your word to Your servant,
As that which produces reverence for You.
39 Turn away my reproach which I dread,
For Your ordinances are good.
40 Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me through Your righteousness.
Vav.
41 May Your loving kindnesses also come to me, O Lord,
Your salvation according to Your word;
42 So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me,
For I trust in Your word.
43 And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I wait for Your ordinances.
44 So I will keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.
45 And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
46 I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings
And shall not be ashamed.
47 I shall delight in Your commandments,
Which I love.
48 And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments,
Which I love;
And I will meditate on Your statutes.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Yesterday, we talked about the cool breeze that comes with fall and how refreshing it can be. Well, sometimes when we are not ready to welcome it, the cool breeze can become cold. The Word of God can have that effect on those who are not prepared to see the cracks and holes in their life. The Bible gives us stories that when the people saw how off their lives were from the truth of God’s Word, they grieved, wept, and felt shame. That’s actually not a bad response to the realization that our lives are not lining up with the plan our Father wants for us. This response is called true repentance. However, like in this Psalm, the Word doesn’t just convict, it also heals.
When we open our eyes, through faith, to see the righteousness of Christ, it produces reverence toward God. It also picks us up and strengthens us to walk blameless in His ways. It gives us a love for Him and His ways. We are given so much love that we are overwhelmed with the breeze of His Spirit. Instead of running for cover, we should seek to be covered by His grace and mercy to face what we see and what we feel.
If the Word coming into your life has caused sorrow, don’t run or hide, but embrace the forgiveness through the cross; embrace the grace to be like Him. The Word of God has not come to destroy you, but to revive you.