Wednesday 29th January
Read Psalm 119:145-152
“Qoph
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,
and I will obey your decrees.
146 I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, Lord,
and all your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last for ever.” (NIVUK)
I know that I need to put priority on study of your instructions. v145-152.
Following the request for understanding the psalmist pleads for help to obey. There is recognition that salvation/relationship comes before ‘I will keep’. He recognises that he doesn’t need to keep laws for salvation, but salvation should lead to ‘keeping’. The psalmist then continues to plead, and the asking is linked to his actions, that of rising before dawn (based on hope) and staying up late (to meditate on what God has said). The psalmist knows that the Lord loves him and is listening to the requests and his request goes something like – I ask that you answer according to your great love as I need your help; I am pressured from all sides to ignore your word/laws, pressured by worldviews and ideas that are far from your purposes Lord, wickedness is a constant threat. However, I know you are close by (walking with me) and that you guide me with your truth (commands). I remember from experience that your word/statutes are applicable in all situations and forever. I can trust you no matter what!
Geoff Hinch
