Today we continue reading Psalm 119. Please follow along in your bible or go online to read at www.biblegateway.com. Yesterday we learned that Psalm 119 is broken down into 22 sections, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and each section is 8 verses long. Today we read sections 4-6.
Daleth
Verse 25-32 Verse 25 begins with "I am laid low in the dust" A friend was telling me yesterday about dust storms in Texas. Dust blows everywhere, and it gets inside buildings. You can't escape it. Sin permeates our lives like dust. Sin starts as a fleeting thought but if we don't sweep that sin particle out of our lives before we know it we have a dust storm. But thankfully God has given us the law to help keep the dirt and dust out of our lives. We will always have dust particles (sin/temptation) in our lives but we have a good defense - God is our shield and keeps our hearts and souls clean.
He
Verses 33-40 This section of verses the psalmist asks to be taught God's decrees so that the psalmist will walk in God's way. Verses 36 and 37 asks for help not to put focus on worldly gain and worthless things. Take our eyes off of self and focus on God. Verse 39 "take away the disgrace I dread" - I am so thankful I have a conscience and I can hear that still small voice that warns that this isn't a good idea. About a month ago I had the opportunity to ride in a small speed boat but it required taking a big jump to get into boat - I am short and have short legs for an adult. In the back of my mind - I thought this probably isn't a good idea - but I REALLY wanted to go for the boat ride. Well, I jumped, I missed, and I fell into the lake. Only my right shoe made it into the boat :-). I needed help to get out of the water. And then I developed this nasty bruise on my right arm and I spent a week trying to hide the bruise because I was embarrassed about the incident. Following Gods law helps us to avoid disgrace brought on by our foolish behaviors.
Waw
Verses 41-48 The psalmist writes in verse 43 "do not snatch away the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws." Having laws are freeing. Verse 45 echoes this " I will walk about in freedom". I know that God has placed laws that are intended for me to live a life loving God and my fellow man. Backing up to verse 41 "May your unfailing love come to me O Lord" - this gives me comfort that God who is larger than life has created earth for us to dwell in and gave us laws for order and peace.
Father God - let our prayer for today be as the psalmist wrote - I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. We thank you for loving us providing for us and giving laws to live by. We now sit silently for a few moments to allow you to speak to us. Remind us of any sins we are committing. We ask for forgiveness and the strength to walk away from any sin in our lives. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
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