June 20, 2011

Psalm 119:153-160 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 5:12-16, Philippians 2:12-18, 2 Kings 7-8

Journal Entry

Scripture

153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
. . .

159 Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.

Observation

There is a certain assurance for the psalmist who can claim the promises of God and know that God will both listen and act on his behalf. In affliction, in need of deliverance, in need someone to champion a cause or to be redeemed, the psalmist knows that God is able because he knows His law and promises.

Application

Many times I ask God to help me in my difficulties and to deliver me from my troubles yet his words and laws I do not obey. In this state of disobedience I do not understand and appreciate that the difficulties and troubles are opportunities for me to grow rather escape. Likewise, my “cause” is sometimes my will not His.

There are no short cuts to spending quality time meditating on His word and dwelling in His real presence so that we can really know and have a REAL relationship with Jesus. Then Paul’s words can ring true to me as well – For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain.

Prayer

Lord, through Your Son, You have redeemed me already, not while I was good but rather when I was dead in sin. Through Your Spirit I have life abundant now with riches beyond measure. May I seek YOU and treasure you above all else as I dwell in Your words today.

--jyim