SCRIPTURE: Psalm 119:145-176
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. [Psalm 119:147-148]
In this ode to God’s Law, the psalmist still finds many different ways to say how much he loves, trusts and relies on God’s revelation (laws, statutes, decrees, promises…).
This reveals is a heart that is completely devoted to living for God according to His will.
Early morning and late into the night, he clings to God’s will for his life.
He takes very seriously what both the OT Law and Jesus stated – Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3]
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. [Mark 1:35]
Jesus also demonstrates the same eager dependence on God and His will.
He loves God and God’s will deep in His heart, and that shows itself in how He lives each day, how He responds to life’s opportunities and challenges.
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. [John 4:34]
This is the question for today – do I love God’s truth like this?
Is there evidence that I am eager to seek God’s wisdom and perspective?
This is more than just reading the bible – I do a lot of that because of my occupation – but like Jesus am I actually engaging with God through the bible?
Yet you are near, LORD, and all your commands are true. [Psalm 119:151]
Spending time with God through the bible, talking with Him and listening to Him?
It’s a relationship that He wants with us, not just a religious duty.
But if that is the case, how is the relationship going?
Or if time with God in the bible is like eating, am I getting enough nourishment?
If I were to write a psalm describing how I relate to God and the bible, what would that psalm say… what does my life say about my devotion to Him and His will?
Early in the morning, through the watches of the night?
PRAYER:
Lord, I spend more time with the book than I do with You. And if I am honest, I do not act as if my food is to do Your will and finish Your work. But I want this to change!