September 8, 2021 – Psalm 119:1–88

“Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart,who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways. You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous ordinances. I will observe your statutes; do not utterly forsake me. You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Before I was humbled I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. The arrogant smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts.” Psalm 119:1-8, 65-69

There is so much to say about Psalm 119, but I want to highlight verses 65 – 69.  They read as follows:

“Do good to your servant according to your word, O Lord. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.  Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.” 

The words from this wonderful Psalm are so much more meaningful and real than, for example, the Prayer of Jabez that we encounter in 1 Chronicles 4:9 – 10.  The words of the Psalmist are words of a person aware of their own failings, and the need for grace and mercy. The words of the Prayer of Jabez are almost self-righteous. If you remember the prayer it included these words: “Lord, bless ME and enlarge MY border, that your hand might be with ME, and that you would keep ME from hurt and harm.” 

What is our attitude as we approach G-d in prayer?  How do we see ourselves in our relationship with G-d? Is it ok to pray for more stuff, more property, more money, more possessions? Both of these prayers are in our Bible – and they deserve our attention. But I believe one is profitable and one is unachievable.

Let Us Pray:

Lord, we come to you for all things in prayer. Most of all we come to you in humble obedience, seeking your will for our lives. Keep us in your thoughts always. Amen.

Pastor Dave