Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Psalm 119:33-40
33Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
Do you get in the way of yourself? Think about that for a moment. What stands in between you and your relationship with God? The enemy. Our sin nature. And, all too often we are willing to comply with both. They are a dangerous team at play in this world, and many days we are willing to wear their jersey. Are we willing to move out of the way and let God become the powerful force of deliverance in our life?
In direct contrast to the world, the more that we obey God, the more we will walk in freedom. The more we obey God, the more joy and peace we will experience. But it is not easy. It is easy to be stubborn. It is easy to be selfish. It is easy to be lazy. The list goes on, and we begin to see the patterns of behavior that stand in our way of loving God and loving people. Left only to ourselves, we will choose self all day long.
This passage from Psalm 119 reminds us that following God’s instruction revives our heart. Rather than doing what pleases our own self at the moment, God’s righteousness actually brings forth life and delight. May we long for His commandments each day! The Psalmist also reminds us that we can’t do it on our own. May Psalm 119 move us to prayer, and praise God for His commands. Incline my heart to step out of the way and let Jesus step in.
Do you feel stuck and unable to move? Ask the Lord for help. Psalm 119 is such an honest prayer for help in our response to God’s Word. Through the Holy Spirit, God personally teaches us and guides us, and changes our heart. In Christ, we are free and able to follow God’s ways. We are no longer bound by sin and death. It becomes possible to turn our eyes from worthless things and find life in His ways (verse 37). Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God will give us the desire and power to do what pleases him.
As we turn to Jesus, we find a relationship like no other. The Almighty God loves us, and is alive and active our day. God wants the best for us. What a victorious team! Will you step out of the way today and let Jesus show you how to thrive?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, teach me your ways. I praise your perfect Word. Incline my heart to step out of the way and let Jesus step in, that I may follow your commands and thrive in the joy of your Righteousness. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.