June 10, 2011

Psalm 119:73-80 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 2:41-52, Ephesians 5:1-14, 1 Kings 12

Journal Entry

Scripture

Psalm 119:80
"May my heart be blameless in thy statues that I may not be put to shame"

Observation

Throughout Psalm 119, the writer pray for God to teach him His statutes. He asks God to let His steadfast love comfort him according to His will, His mercy to come to him so that he can delight in the law, and let his enemies to be put to shame for they have subverted God with guile. The Psalmist emphasizes that he will obey and follow God's precepts, statutes, and commandments.

Application

But, by what form of obedience is he referring to? The phrase "May my heart be blameless in thy statues" seems simple, yet it poses a great deal of discipline in its manifestation. How can one keep his heart blameless? Certainly not by any humanly effort or will-power. It's much too hard to control the outcome in absolute purity. In fact, it's impossible. Then what can be done about it? At the beginning of the verse 73 it says"Thy hands have made and fashioned me." it is only God who can faithfully protect and guide the heart with His steadfast love and mercy; not on my own. When I turn my heart to Him, my heart is pure. Then I may not be put to shame, for He has taken my guilt away.

Prayer

Lord when I look into my heart, there are many ugly and impure elements that discourage me from looking up to you. Nonetheless, I come to you with scars and wounds, waiting to be healed. Let my sight never lose the attention in following your precepts and commandments, let my heart never lose hope to come back to your words of wisdom. In your precious name Jesus I pray. Amen

--Joshua Kang