June 4, 2011

Psalm 119:25-32 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 1:46-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 1 Kings 5-6

Journal Entry

Scripture

30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

Observation

In the midst of suffering and sorrow and perhaps in his case, taunting, ridicule and persecution from unbelievers, the psalmist clings to God's Word. He can demand God to give him life because he knows God's Word promises that. He wants God to teach him God's unchangeable rules, make him understand God's authority over all things so that he could meditate on what God has done. Even when he is in the pit of sorrow, he knows his strength comes from God's Word. And the only way to keep him from sin is to abide by God's rules.

So, this faithful psalmist sets God's rules in front of him and clings to God's proof of His love and faithfulness and runs to God's commandments in time of hardship.

Application

When we say we are faithful to God, what does that really mean? Is it doing good works? Is it going to church every Sunday? Is it being a leader at church? This Psalm tells me that being faithful means to set God's Word as a priority-- deliberate in making time to read it, obey it, memorize it and to persistently seek after God's Ways. When I live according to God's Word, I will not be put to shame. Instead, I will be strengthened to the core of my soul so that I would not sin against God.

Prayer

Lord God, Thank you so much for your Word that reveals who you are and what it is that you desire from me. Help me to set your rules as my guide, cling to the testimonies of your people and that I would choose to obey your commands. Lord, give me understanding of your Word so that my worship and honor to you will be from the joy you put in my heart through your Word. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

--Kathleen Hong