Wednesday 15th January

Read Psalm 119:33-40

“He

33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart towards your statutes
    and not towards selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfil your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.” (NIVUK)

Some hints as to what ‘kit’ to carry. v33-40.        

Having recognised a straight road ahead the psalmist is now keen to know more about the path of faithfulness (way of your decrees). To do this the psalmist recognises that there is ‘kit’ to be carried that will assist including:

  • understanding of the directions given so he doesn’t take the wrong path (obey & keep).
  • Direction, the signposts of commands, that will make it clear the path to take. The image comes to mind of a tempting broad path that leads to destruction; it is interesting that there is a recognition that following the directions will lead to ‘delights’ a contrast to the temptations to wander mentioned next.
  • A sensitive heart that realises that attention to the signposts is essential rather than being tempted (eyes) by what seems ‘good for me things’ that are seemingly ‘just off’ the pathway we have been shown.
  • Help, even with a sensitive heart the temptations are very strong to take an alternative route, the short cut, but with God’s help I can remain safe (preserve my life) but I must listen carefully to His instructions (words) as sometimes the signposts seem obscured or misdirected.

The outcome of God’s provision for me (promise) is that I will fear Him (be in awe of God’s goodness, love and power). Then the psalmist comments, ‘take away my disgrace’ which seems a bit ‘left field’ but possibly with the ‘fear’ comes a recognition by the psalmist of his capacity to be led astray by assuming that he knows best, even when it is clear that God’s directions are what is best (safe). Therefore, the psalmist really does know what is best, it is to ‘long for’, set as a priority, to find God’s map (precepts) because a righteous God has provided the way to preserve his life on this journey.  What kit are you carrying?

Geoff Hinch

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