"God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me — my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me — promises made to all who fear you. Deflect the harsh words of my critics — but what you say is always so good. See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!" (Psalms 119:33-40 - from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)
Father, I too want these lessons that can make my life one long, obedient response! I want to be able to say with the Psalmist, "I love traveling this freeway!" At times I feel so far from this experience. As I ponder these words this morning, may I gain the insight and understanding I need to fully experience what it means to love traveling the freeway of your teachings!
Staying the course: That's what these verses suggest God's lessons for living will help me do. And it is one of my challenges in life. It's pretty easy to make a plan and take the first steps. But to really follow through and keep at it no matter what - that's a challenge I still haven't fully conquered. Whether it's health habits, housecleaning, or seeking guidance from God, consistency and follow through is not always as good as I would like. But in these verses, the Psalmist reminds me that God can help with that too! Thank you, Father! I look for that guidance, today!
Obedience: This, apparently, is something else I can expect God's lessons to help me with. I wish I could say this was never an issue for me, but sometimes I can be so rebellious. I daily need to allow Him to take my will and replace it with His. As I seek to align my will with God's and to have that right spirit renewed within me, I am encouraged by these words. Not only can I expect that as I continue to seek God's guidance He will help me live obediently, but I will be able to say, "I LOVE traveling this way!" Thank you, Father!
Healthy Desires: Here is also the suggestion that human desires for wealth and various trinkets can be replaced by a focus on God's words of wisdom. That God can and will "give me a bent" - a desire - for following God's path. Obviously as He does this, obedience and staying the course become MUCH easier. Thank you, Father!
Relying on God's Promises: There are so many wonderful promises that God gives! No wonder the Psalmist says, "what you say is always so good". As I am reminded of God's promises, I find my love for this path of obedience increasing. How could I not love a God that wants to give me so much good? How could I not love His ways when they promise to bring such blessings! Thank you, Father!
Hungering for God's Guidance: Am I doing this? It's tempting sometimes to put myself down and focus on those times when I have run from God - which I've done too often - but I DO also remember other times. Times when I've cried out to God, "Father, I don't know what to do. I want to do your will. Please show me the path to take!" I am so grateful that He is willing to guide me! Thank you, Father!
Life: Here is the indication that God's ways bring life - an idea affirmed by these words of David: "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalms 16:11 NIV) Not only life, but joy and eternal pleasures! Thank you, Father!
Father, as I continue to trust you and seek your guidance, I am relieved to see so many promises. And I am grateful to see that following your guidance brings so many good things! Your yoke really IS easy and your burden light. Why have I thought otherwise and been so afraid at times? Forgive me, Father! I am so grateful for your guidance and strength as I continue to learn from you. Thank you for increased understanding and peace in my life!
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This blog is simply a sharing of my "daily bread" - my daily walk with God. If something I've said has touched your heart, or sparked a new thought, I'd love to hear from you.