Articles
Establish Your Word, Lord
“Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You. Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness” (Psalms 119:38-40).
Psalm 119 is entitled, “Meditations on the Excellency of the Word of God”. The Psalms is comprised of 22 which exalt the value and power of God’s word. There are two important features David emphasizes. First, he must master the word of God, and second, he must always be mindful of who is the source of these great precepts.
David candidly acknowledges the obstacles that could cause a breakdown in his quest. His failure to persevere (vs.33), his half-heartedness (vs.34), the covetousness in his heart (vs.36), his reproach (vs.39), and his loss of spiritual energy (vs. 40) were all causes for concern. His prayer is for God to help him overcome these failures.
There is a plea for God’s help: “teach me” (vs.33), “give me” (vs.34), “make me” (vs.35), “incline my heart” (vs.36), “turn away my eyes” (vs.37), “establish your word” (vs. 38), “turn away my reproach” (vs. 39). Just how does God aid us in those areas? We are challenged with reconciling God’s help with man’s responsibility. However, God is not.
It is helpful for us to remember that God’s commands are designed to bring intimacy between God and man. Every living moment one is accountable to Him. His laws are to be written on our hearts! Next, God’s word is a manual that concerns all of the various circumstances and relationships of life. At first, the battles of the soul are a strain on our will. But, the more one grows, the strain gradually passes and the love of God dominates.
Therefore, the secret of spiritual success is two-fold. We must understand God’s word and we must be mindful of who gave it. Let the Lord teach us His will and we will set all the effort upon keeping it. With our inclined heart a life of obedience becomes easier, it even becomes a delight.
