Saturday 1st February
Read Psalm 119:169-176
“Taw
169 May my cry come before you, Lord;
give me understanding according to your word.
170 May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.
171 May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.
173 May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, Lord,
and your law gives me delight.
175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.” (NIVUK)
I am so grateful your instructions have been there for the whole journey; I realise that I now know the map so well it protects and sustains me on the road. v169-176.
The conclusion to the psalm is one of praise as the psalmist asks (cry out) that God listens and brings understanding It’s not clear what understanding he is talking about but ‘according to your law’ suggests a greater understanding of God’s character. The continuing request is that God listens and keeps His promise of deliverance from the burdens of the journey. Then there comes a recognition that invokes praise, a recognition that God will do what he has taught/ promised. The praise leads to singing that affirms God’s word is right and available for those who choose to listen. The psalmist then responds further; I listen/long for your salvation and I know from experience that your word brings delight. Lord no matter what happens on this journey please let me live to praise you. I know to do this I need your word/law to sustain me, I realise I am like a lost sheep in need of a shepherd to find (seek) me. Lord I will not forget your guiding commands/words to me in those times of wandering. That image of a journey/ pilgrimage returns – the ‘map’ is always there in God’s word, written on our hearts!
Geoff Hinch
