Read
25I am at the point of death.
Let your teachings
breathe new life into me.
26When I told you my troubles,
you answered my prayers.
Now teach me your laws.
27Help me to understand
your teachings,
and I will think about
your marvelous deeds.
28I am overcome with sorrow.
Encourage me,
as you have promised to do.
29Keep me from being deceitful,
and be kind enough
to teach me your Law.
30I am determined to be faithful
and to respect your laws.
31I follow your rules, Lord.
Don't let me be ashamed.
32I am eager to learn all
that you want me to do;
help me to understand more.
33Point out your rules, Lord,
and I won't disobey
even one of them.
34Help me to understand your Law;
I promise to obey it
with all my heart.
35Direct me by your commands!
I love to do what you say.
36Make me want to obey you,
rather than to be rich.
37Take away my foolish desires,
and let me find life
by walking with you.
38I am your servant!
Do for me what you promised
to those who worship you.
39Your wonderful teachings
protect me from the insults
that I hate so much.
40I long for your teachings.
Be true to yourself
and let me live.
41Show me your love
and save me, Lord,
as you have promised.
42Then I will have an answer
for everyone who insults me
for trusting your word.
43I rely on your laws!
Don't take away my chance
to speak your truth.
44I will keep obeying your Law
forever and ever.
45I have gained perfect freedom
by following your teachings,
46and I trust them so much
that I tell them to kings.
47I love your commands!
They bring me happiness.
48I love and respect them
and will keep them in mind.
Reflect
“ I am laid low in the dust; preserve me according to your word.”
Sailing on a windy day is exciting! The sailboat moves quickly over the waves, the wind is in your face and all is well in the world. Then there are still days with no wind and that same boat sits motionless. In today’s reading from this psalm we meet the writer downcast and weary.
In his downcast state he calls to the one who has the power to lift him from the dust and brush him off. He has his eyes and heart set on the ways of God. The precepts that are laid out in scripture are like the caution signs and tips along the pathway of life. It would seem that when the climb is steep and the path very narrow, the Lord has many words to sustain us and give to us wisdom for this journey we find ourselves on.
The writer confesses how easy it is to set his heart on “selfish gain” (v 36) or “worthless things” (v 37). How easily can this temptation slip silently into our own lives. Worthless things can lead us to that place where there is no resting joy or peace. What “the things of this world” offer is fleeting. Joy and peace, on the other hand, are the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The writer asks God to “direct him in the path of your commands, for there I find delight” (v 35).
Respond
Heavenly Father, Thank you for my life that is led daily by your Holy Spirit. Give to me the courage to see my heart honestly. Where have I set my heart? I want my life to be fully yours, Father. Strengthen me according to your Word. Amen.
Donna Dyck
Donna and her husband Bill are parents of 4 adult children and have 9 grandchildren. They have been pastoring at Toronto Alliance church for 28 years. Donna has written 2 books, Confessions of a Not So Average Girl and Confessions of an Unlikely Pastors wife. She has spoken at many conferences, seminars, and events over the years. She and her husband have just written a Devotional called Hope for an Unwanted Journey which will be published soon and is for parents, especially those who are walking through the valley of addiction or mental illness with their loved ones.