Holding Fast
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank You that Your love rests on me. Thank You that You are my strength.
Read Psalm 119:25-48
[25]ד Daleth I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. [26] I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. [27] Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. [28] My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. [29] Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. [30] I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. [31] I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame. [32] I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. [33]ה He Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. [34] Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. [35] Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. [36] Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. [37] Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. [38] Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. [39] Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. [40] How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. [41]ו Waw May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise; [42] then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. [43] Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. [44] I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. [45] I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. [46] I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, [47] for I delight in your commands because I love them. [48] I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Are there times when you find it hard to follow Jesus?This psalmist is obviously a man of great faith. Like the Pharisees, he follows the law. But there the similarity with the Pharisees ends. For the psalmist, God’s law is not just a set of rules and traditions. It is life-giving, and obeying it leads him to experience God’s love. It also requires him to make decisions.Here the psalmist is at a low ebb but knows exactly what will restore him. He comes humbly and honestly before God, telling him where he is now and asking for the things he needs to turn his life around (25). He makes a conscious choice to follow the way of faithfulness (30). He takes a resolute look at his circumstances, acknowledges that they could be better, and determines to do something about it. When we are laid low, it can be hard to lift ourselves up. And of course we cannot change everything in our lives. But having a positive attitude goes a long way to help us. The psalmist shows us how laying things before God can lead to the answers. He really cries out to God. We have to have the honesty–and the courage–to do that too.
Apply
Where do you need God to intervene? Do you believe he can? Begin to envision it and rest in the hope of that vision.
Closing prayer
Lord, You walk with me in all I face. You are near and I can safely trust in You.
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