Psalm 119 - 12.12.25

Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.

Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.

Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.

How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.

Observation:

This is a great how-to-guide for growing in your walk with God. This Psalm is an acrostic poem, divided into sections that begin with the same letter. First, we look to God and ask Him to teach us the “way” of His laws. This states more that just knowing what the law says but how to walk it out. Next, asking for understanding to keep the law so that they may obey and follow it with all their heart. Then, direct me, point me on the path to walk it out.

The next two lines begin with the word “turn.”  A turn gets you off the road you are on and onto another. They pray for God to turn their heart away from selfish gain and onto God’s statutes. Next, away from worthless things so that their life will be preserved. Finally they ask for a promise to be fulfilled so that God may be feared.  They express dreading disgrace and they know God is the one who can take it away.

Application:

I want to pray like this every day.  Following God’s Word will not happen automatically, I need to set my focus on Him and ask for His guidance and direction. I like that they prayed to turn away from selfish gain and worthless things.  It is easy to get distracted by something that appears urgent or demanding. I don’t want to “dread disgrace” or worry about what others think.  Doing God’s will keeps me on the right path.  Even if others don’t understand or ridicule me, God will preserve my life.  His ways are best!

Prayer:

Oh Lord, your ways are so marvelous.  You have a perfect plan for me.  It will include hardship and testing, but as I walk where you direct me, I will make it through.  May I focus on you each day seeking understanding of your Word,

Turn me off paths that will take me the wrong way.  Keep my focus off worthless things and onto glorifying you. Fix my eyes on you and help me to obey with all my heart. Thank you for how you lead me and supply all that I need. May I long to follow your precepts. Amen

- Cindy Howard