1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
Beth
9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
"I've worked real hard on this. Hopefully I'll do well!" Why? Because we don't want to be embarrassed.
How many times have we said that...after studying for a test, or something similar? The statement comes from experience that reminds us even when we work hard at something the results may not be what we hope.
Life is just that way. The results don't always match the effort. Often times it's not that important. However, other times the stakes are pretty high...like when it comes to following God faithfully. The consequences of failure are severe. Have you ever noticed that...no matter how hard you try to be faithful...the results are less than you hope?
It's embarrassing...when we compare our conduct with God's expectations. I often hope God won't notice. I'm pretty sure He does.
But...there's a way to increase our odds.
David tells the Lord "I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands." It's a reminder to both himself and God that he understands this. so, as hard as he tries to please God, he still needs God to keep him on the "straight and narrow." The results of trusting God to keep us on track are clear in David's claim..."I will not be ashamed when I compare myself with your commands."
What is God's standard for our lives? Nothing less than purity. Verse nine says "How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word." The problem is...many of us spend so little time with God's word that we have only a slight notion of what it says. I find this true in my counseling. You'd be surprised how many people quote Benjamin Franklin...thinking they're quoting scripture: "The Lord helps those who help themselves."
Two things are critical if we want to avoid embarrassment in our lives. The first is to stay close to God so He can keep us from straying. The second is to stay close to God's word so we know surely what His expectations are for us.
"I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways." Are you up to it? Or are you going to continue muddling through...hoping for better results?
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
Beth
9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
"I've worked real hard on this. Hopefully I'll do well!" Why? Because we don't want to be embarrassed.
How many times have we said that...after studying for a test, or something similar? The statement comes from experience that reminds us even when we work hard at something the results may not be what we hope.
Life is just that way. The results don't always match the effort. Often times it's not that important. However, other times the stakes are pretty high...like when it comes to following God faithfully. The consequences of failure are severe. Have you ever noticed that...no matter how hard you try to be faithful...the results are less than you hope?
It's embarrassing...when we compare our conduct with God's expectations. I often hope God won't notice. I'm pretty sure He does.
But...there's a way to increase our odds.
David tells the Lord "I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands." It's a reminder to both himself and God that he understands this. so, as hard as he tries to please God, he still needs God to keep him on the "straight and narrow." The results of trusting God to keep us on track are clear in David's claim..."I will not be ashamed when I compare myself with your commands."
What is God's standard for our lives? Nothing less than purity. Verse nine says "How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word." The problem is...many of us spend so little time with God's word that we have only a slight notion of what it says. I find this true in my counseling. You'd be surprised how many people quote Benjamin Franklin...thinking they're quoting scripture: "The Lord helps those who help themselves."
Two things are critical if we want to avoid embarrassment in our lives. The first is to stay close to God so He can keep us from straying. The second is to stay close to God's word so we know surely what His expectations are for us.
"I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways." Are you up to it? Or are you going to continue muddling through...hoping for better results?
Live boldly out there today...
No comments:
Post a Comment