This morning we are going to begin our study of Psalms 119. But why?
There’s a new year coming and it’s important to have a firm foundation. We don’t know what trials, struggles or life storms lay ahead but God does and he has promised that when we have built our lives on a sure foundation we will be able to withstand the storm.
“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV
This past year we saw time and again pictures of those areas that were devastated by storms; Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, California, Montana, Oregon, Oklahoma, Kansas. Hurricanes, fires, flooding. Billions of dollars spent in restoration.
God has promised that His word, standing on His word, believing His word will provide us with a strength to withstand. It provides us with blessing.
“Our Lord, you bless everyone who lives right and obeys your Law.
2 You bless all of those who follow your commands from deep in their hearts
3 and who never do wrong or turn from you. 4 You have ordered us always
to obey your teachings; 5 I don’t ever want to stray from your laws.
6 Thinking about your commands will keep me from doing some foolish thing.
7 I will do right and praise you by learning to respect your perfect laws.
8 I will obey all of them! Don’t turn your back on me.” Psalm 119:1-8 CEV
When our kids were little we told them we have one rule, “be obedient”. Very simple, not a lot to remember – just be obedient. That’s what I hear the Lord saying in the start of this chapter. Obey My word – it’s the same as saying obey me.
Obey from deep within our hearts – not surface or superficial obedience; but one that is heartfelt and genuine. Knowing that God knows more and has a better understanding than we possibly could, so our obedience is a sign of respect for His infinitely greater knowledge.
Remember the old “Karate Kid”. Wax on – Wax off! Daniel was so frustrated with Mr. Miyagi. What good was all this “waxing” doing? There was a lesson being taught that wasn’t apparent to the young Daniel. I feel like that sometimes when the Lord is teaching me something – what’s the point? And then I go back to what I required of my children, “be obedient”. He’ll show me at the appropriate time.
This Psalm says that simply thinking about God’s word will keep me from doing foolish things – I certainly need that. Foolish mistakes can be very costly and I don’t want to waste time or effort in having to re-do what was done wrong.
“I will do right by learning to respect your laws”. Respect – that means giving honor, a place of pre-eminence, a valuing above others. Respect God’s word over the word of a trusted friend – seek God’s word above the counsel of the others.
God has a plan established for our obedience. Isaiah 1:18 says if we be willing and obedient we will eat the good of the land. I like that – I like good.
And finally, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10
To fear the Lord doesn’t mean that we are scared but that we have that respect that the verse above talks about. Respecting the Lord and His word, giving it credibility, will make us wise and increase our understanding.
Find one thing today in God’s word and be obedient! It’s worth it for sure.