Sunday 12th January
Read Psalm 119:9-16
“Beth
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.” (NIVUK)
Whatever your age God’s words need to be imprinted on our heart. v 9-16.
This stanza of the psalm starts with a question about purity of the young which is probably the equivalent of blameless in the previous stanza. In both cases it is God’s word that will bring this change in character; it is interesting that the phrase ‘seek you with all my heart’ is repeated (as in v2), and it prompts the thought that there is a map (law), but relationship and a conversation is the necessary to obtain assistance in listening, interpreting and applying. That way the psalmist will avoid straying off the path God has planned for him. However, the guidelines/words are ‘hidden in my heart’ which suggests that they are always there to be remembered, a permanent ‘heart imprint’ rather than a map to be lost, and these words will guide the pilgrim in the battle with opposition to God’s will, its the NT equivalent of the Holy Spirit transforming us as we meditate on God’s words to us. The psalmist then praises God; it’s like a spontaneous thankfulness and a request that God continues to teach (words in my heart idea) so that he can recall all God has told him, maybe even share it with others. Ultimately when God’s words are in our heart the result is rejoicing and delight, it is like finding a treasure; the more we think (meditate) about these words the more we realise their value and the more we are motivated to learn, to seek understanding and apply them. Therefore, the psalmist promises himself not to neglect this wonderful opportunity. Do I need to make such a promise?
Geoff Hinch
