More than Gold
Opening Prayer
Jesus, may my heart be captivated by the beauty and goodness of Your Word, and may I always live in its light.
Read Psalm 119:113-128
[113]ס Samekh I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. [114] You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. [115] Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! [116] Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. [117] Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. [118] You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing. [119] All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. [120] My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws. [121]ע Ayin I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. [122] Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. [123] My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. [124] Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. [125] I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. [126] It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken. [127] Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, [128] and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. 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
How much do you value God's Word and obedience to it?Sometimes following God’s way isn’t easy. Our readings last week have made it clear that this shouldn’t surprise us. It has always been the case for God’s children, and the writer of these verses seems to be having an especially hard time. Where does he go for strength and hope (114)?The psalmist is surrounded by those who don’t love God, who don’t care about his ways (115,126). He is being persecuted and opposed for his faithfulness to God (121,122). He is feeling in danger, depressed and weary (116,123). Maybe some of this sounds familiar to you as you follow Jesus today. What is the psalmist’s response? It’s almost as if, through gritted teeth, he asserts his faith in God and in his Word. God will sustain him (116). He will keep on living God’s way (117). He will fear God rather than men (120). Humbly, he prays for discernment in understanding God’s teaching (125) and asks God to take action in a world which has turned from him (126). His motivation, his sustaining strength, is found in God’s law. This is treasure worth more than gold (127). Where is your “treasure” (Matt. 6:21)?
Apply
Seek God for greater understanding of his Word. Purpose to be obedient to it, so that you might gain true understanding.
Closing prayer
Faithful God, Your Word brings light to my heart and teaches me the way I should go. All my hope is in You.
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