I’d like to piggyback on my devotion from yesterday where I used Psalm 119. The Everyday Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp actually divided the reading of the psalm into two days: verses 1-88 and verses 89-176. As I read the Scripture for today and the corresponding devotion, I realized there was so much more to Psalm 119 than I was able to convey yesterday. Here are some further thoughts:
In my preparation for this Sunday’s sermon, I read that 169 of the 176 verses in this psalm make some reference to the Word of God. It uses words like laws, statutes, commandments, and others. One thing should become very clear as you read this chapter: until you know the importance of God’s Word and unless you are willing to take God at his Word all the rest won’t matter. As PDT states:
“God’s Word can reshape how you think and should guide every step you take.” (p.231)
One of the thoughts I expressed this past Sunday is that there seems to be a disconnect followers of Christ are guilty of: what we say we believe and the way we live. To carry that further: sometimes the disconnect is so strong that unbelievers cannot tell the difference between us and them. They hear “I am a Christian” or “I go to church” blah, blah, blah come from our lips but then see our lives being no different than theirs. We drink, we cuss, we tell the same dirty jokes/stories, we gossip, we lie, we cheat, etc and then we can’t help but see why people are in such disarray when it comes to faith. Way too often our lives are guided-not by Scripture, but by our culture or how we feel.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (NLT) When you use a flashlight to light your way, you don’t shine it into the sky or even on your face. No, you shine it on the path you are walking. God’s Word is to be that light for our path. It is not so ethereal that it lights the sky, nor is it introspective that it only shines its light on us. As we walk the path of our daily walk, that Word is to be our guiding light. Knowing which direction to go or where to take my next step, God’s Word is to be the light on my path. His Word is to rearrange everything about me-my thoughts, my intentions, my actions-and it is to guide me into all truth.
Simply put: if I believe God’s Word (and I do), it will be expressed in the way I live my life. Drive a nail through that!
God’s Word should be apparent in everything we think, say and do. As Christians, we should soak up His knowledge like sponges and be prepared to squeeze ourselves out to other thirsty souls throughout the day so that they might find God’s Living Water, too. Blessings, Bill!
I agree wholeheartedly Martha.
I don’t disagree with your assessment of the disconnect in regards to followers of Christ. I see it in my own life. When we don’t build our lives on the rock solid foundation of God’s Word. When we don’t allow the light of that word to illuminate our path… We will crumble and stumble.
I wonder at times when God watches me if He is just shaking His head and saying to Himself… Looks like you are choosing the hard road again. I’ll join you and pick you up when you fall, but it would be much better to go this way and don’t forget… I love you!
I’m with you on both thoughts Ryan. He sometimes must think I’m a real blockhead based on my choices.
Father, renew our souls and lead us, in Your ways, the only right way. Let Your light be the only shining light that we chase after and follow. Help us to be so in tune with Your voice, so that we do not turn to the left or right, we only walk in step with You. Let our lives reflect our love for You so that other see our lives as a living example of how much God changes lives, and that God’s children reflect God’s values. May the honor and glory be Yours forever. Amen 1TIM1:17
All I can say Gail is “Amen.”