In the psalmist’s petition to experience God’s love, we find the true context for our prayers. And within this context we find the commitment of the Christian—as a result of this context. Only the experience of God’s love will lead to a true commitment to serve him. Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then shall I have an … [Read more...]
The Way of Wisdom (Psalm 119:33–40)
Innate to every person’s core is the desire to be happy. Though there are many perceived ways to gain this happiness, there is only one way to truly achieve it—and that is through knowing God and doing what he commands. To do anything else is to be foolish, but to be wise is to do as his commandments instruct us to do. Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I shall … [Read more...]
Hanging On for Dear Life (Psalm 119:25–32)
For the Christian, life can be deeply discouraging. Someone once said that discouragement is inevitable, but despair is a choice. I don’t recall who said that, but the writer of Psalm 119 certainly understood it. He spoke of his soul clinging to the dust (v. 25) and melting away for sorrow (v. 28). He asked not to be put to shame (v. 32). This is clearly a major thought in this … [Read more...]
Open Eyes (Psalm 119:17–24)
Psalm 119 encourages the believer to pray for open eyes. We are able to pray for open eyes because of the bountiful grace of our master. We need open eyes because we are strangers in the earth. And the benefit of open eyes is that we can behold wonderful things out of God’s law: the wonderful character of God; the wonderful promises of Christ; the wonderful rule of life; and … [Read more...]
Sanctification (Psalm 119:9–16)
Christians often wonder what God’s will for their lives is, and how can they find it. Usually, questions about God’s will are asked in terms of very specific circumstances: Whom should I marry? What career should I pursue? Should I take this job promotion that I’ve been offered? John MacArthur has authored a little 60-page booklet titled Found: God’s Will in which he argues … [Read more...]