Psalm 119 - Part Two - kicks off with a profound thought about the power of God’s Word. “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” (verse 89). It is rather a paradox that a spoken or written word can be more firm, more certain, more secure than the most ‘physical’ things in creation: galaxies, neutron stars, iron, gold, water, granite… And yet it says in Hebrews 1:3 how Jesus sustains all things by his powerful word. Even scientists have come to the realization that the fundamental sub-atomic particles of life are governed by complex mathematical equations – “words” in every sense. The Lord dictates and determines the very fabric of the universe that he has woven together and his word holds it all together; if He stopped ‘speaking’ that word, the universe would in that instance, cease to exist! Verse 93: “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life” turns from the maintenance of creation to the preservation of the human soul – again by the Word of God, but this time by a conscious effort on the soul’s part to assimilate the wisdom and instructions of the Lord. Atoms and sub-atomic particles have not choice, but we do! Therefore, in this, we exercise our wills and demonstrate by doing so that we are closer to the image of the Creator than the imprint of his creation. Verses 97, 99, 100, and 103: To meditate on the Word of God gives us more insight than those who are more intelligent or experienced than us – meditation leads to obedience which leads to fullness of life (see also Psalm 1 and Joshua 1:8). Let us give ourselves to bible meditation and see how that lifts us beyond the mundane and the hopelessness of this world, feeding us with a heavenly hope and an eternal vision of what life’s really all about. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” So claims verse 105. When you are walking along a rough path in the darkness, you don’t so much need a long-range spotlight as illumination for the next step. The beacon on the hill is important, but equally we don’t want to fall into a ditch in attempting to reach it. So God’s word guides us in our DAILY lives – in how we treat our spouses or children or parents; in how we deal with our employers or our elderly neighbours. “Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed”. (116). The promises of God are much under-rated as a tool for keeping us afloat, emotionally, spiritually and from a vision point of view. If you have a tendency towards depression, then grab a daily promise from the Lord (out of your daily reading which you are strongly advised to do) and meditate on it and pray over it during the day. It will purify your soul and elevate your spirit. The written word will re-connect you with the Living Word and re-ignite your hope. “Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.” (132). Despite the Psalmist’s zeal for God’s word, he recognized that he himself falls short and needs mercy – asking in the confidence that God ALWAYS forgives those who love him. And then he will “…direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.” If we have a besetting sin, we need to line up an array of promises and commands from God that speak to that sin; then when we are tempted, we can quickly take the heavenly ‘escape capsule’. Look at how Jesus used this in Matthew 4 against the full-on temptations of Satan. “I rise before dawn… My eyes stay open through the watches of the night that I may meditate on your promises.” (147-8). Sometimes we are expected to go outside our comfort zone to make room for the Word of God. Getting up early or staying up late may be necessary on some days; giving up our ‘me’ time (what a ghastly phrase!) in order to put Him and his word first is an investment that always pays off. “Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” (164-5). Seven, being the number of perfection, implies that praise for the Lord will be continuously on your lips. And if you lack peace, then remind him of this promise; he may also choose to remind you of the condition of its fulfillment! “I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.” Is the final verse and a fitting ending. God’s Word, his Law, is so awesome that no-one meets its demands or fulfills its perfection. In Christ, it is no longer a barrier to our salvation, but we still need the humility to acknowledge that it is his grace that gets us through, and not our perfect obedience. (Today’s reading: Psalm 119: 89-176.) Andy Acreman.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 18:19:26 +0000
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