Lies or Truth?

 Psalm 119:161–168 (ESV): 

Sin and Shin

 161  Princes persecute me without cause, 

but my heart stands in awe of your words. 

 162  I rejoice at your word 

like one who finds great spoil. 

 163  I hate and abhor falsehood, 

but I love your law. 

 164  Seven times a day I praise you 

for your righteous rules. 

 165  Great peace have those who love your law; 

nothing can make them stumble. 

 166  I hope for your salvation, O Lord, 

and I do your commandments. 

 167  My soul keeps your testimonies; 

I love them exceedingly. 

 168  I keep your precepts and testimonies, 

for all my ways are before you. 

Do you ‘hate and abhor falsehood’? Or do you tell lies, big ones, small ones, ones to keep secrets or those that you think benefit others? 

All lying should be hated - no matter the purpose or the context, and God does mind if you lie.

The Word of God is truth, so lies are the opposite of God’s Word. If you are person of faith and profess that you love God, you need to be mindful of what you are saying and promising. Are you truly living in The Truth, or have you made up your own rules about acceptable lying? Some people lie with good intention; not to offend others, to protect, maybe to keep something a surprise. Yet lying is still lying and it is the opposite of truth. So, you need to consider whose side are you on; God’s or Satan’s? For Satan is the Prince of lies and when you enter into not telling the truth, you are entering into his domain - is that where you want to be?

Don’t let Satan have any power over you or in your life. Learn instead to abhor falsehood and love God’s Law (v163). It is not easy, and it can be painful to be honest at times. It certainly takes consideration to be loving and truthful at the same time, and sometimes it is best to say nothing. Honesty is beautiful, but needs to be used in humility to God and be wrapped in love. The promise for those who live a life honouring God and His Word is, ‘Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble’. Is this your story? When you live a life of honesty, loving God's Word and abhorring falsehood, you can enjoy peace. If you want to live a peaceful life, ensure that honesty is an important attribute in your life, and stand continually on The Word of God. 

Psalm 119:169–176 (ESV): 

Taw

 169  Let my cry come before you, O Lord; 

give me understanding according to your word! 

 170  Let my plea come before you; 

deliver me according to your word. 

 171  My lips will pour forth praise, 

for you teach me your statutes. 

 172  My tongue will sing of your word, 

for all your commandments are right. 

 173  Let your hand be ready to help me, 

for I have chosen your precepts. 

 174  I long for your salvation, O Lord, 

and your law is my delight. 

 175  Let my soul live and praise you, 

and let your rules help me. 

 176  I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, 

for I do not forget your commandments. 

Do not try to understand the concepts of society, or the way of the world - don’t waste your time on that. They are fickle and change, lying abounds and different views and perspectives exist. You will never get a clear understanding as they are complex. Instead, ask God, 'give me understanding according to your word!'. This will help you live life.If you want some understanding, go to God. Read Scripture, ask Him and allow your understanding of life be formed by the author of life. 

Whatever you are concerned about, whether it is that your circumstances are confusing or painful, the society you are in blind, the changing of laws nonsensical or concerning, the lives of others lost or gone astray, go to God’s Word. It is only through seeking and listening to God's voice of truth that anything makes sense. Do not concern yourself with understanding the World - the world doesn't make sense, it is lost and confused in it's denial of good and of God, so why seek to understand that anyway? Instead make God's Law your delight, allow His rules to help you and remember that all of God's commandments are right (v172 - 175).

God’s words bring salvation, they can bring joy, hope, truth and help. Therefore take delight in them and do not allow the confusion of life overtake your mind. Hold onto Bible verses, remember truth, and the cares of this world will find their rightful position in subjection to Him. 

What are you desperate for?

 Psalm 119:129–136 (ESV): 

Pe

 129  Your testimonies are wonderful; 

therefore my soul keeps them. 

 130  The unfolding of your words gives light; 

it imparts understanding to the simple. 

 131  I open my mouth and pant, 

because I long for your commandments. 

 132  Turn to me and be gracious to me, 

as is your way with those who love your name. 

 133  Keep steady my steps according to your promise, 

and let no iniquity get dominion over me. 

 134  Redeem me from man’s oppression, 

that I may keep your precepts. 

 135  Make your face shine upon your servant, 

and teach me your statutes. 

 136  My eyes shed streams of tears, 

because people do not keep your law. 

This writer yearns to know more of God’s Word. They pant for it (131) because they want to hear from God and they recognise their need of Him. Without God’s Word this psalmist is parched and desperate, they need His word for survival. Have you ever felt that desperate to hear from God? Do you recognise your own need of Him.

This author is a skilled and intelligent person, we can tell that from the way that Psalm 119 is constructed. Every set of 8 verses starts with the same Hebrew letter. That takes consideration, creativity and intelligent design, especially as each part flows and it all builds to glorify God and His Word. Yet, even though they are a gifted individual with intelligence and capability, they still long for God and thirst for more understanding and godly wisdom. Even though we can see that this person is smart, they still say, ‘The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.’ Maybe at one point in thier life, they felt as if they were simple, or maybe they recognise that God's Word is accessible and relevant to all people. Without God’s Word people live in darkness and have no understanding. For God is the one that provides both. An intelligent writer gifted with words, or a simple person can read the Bible and be inspired, receive instruction, guidance and life. What a wonderful gift God has given His children through His written Word - all have access to it and can get life and light from it! Are you longing to know and understand more of Him through Scripture? Are you allowing your life to be inspired by the Word of God?

Psalm 119:137–144 (ESV): 

Tsadhe

 137  Righteous are you, O Lord, 

and right are your rules. 

 138  You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness 

and in all faithfulness. 

 139  My zeal consumes me, 

because my foes forget your words. 

 140  Your promise is well tried, 

and your servant loves it. 

 141  I am small and despised, 

yet I do not forget your precepts. 

 142  Your righteousness is righteous forever, 

and your law is true. 

 143  Trouble and anguish have found me out, 

but your commandments are my delight. 

 144  Your testimonies are righteous forever; 

give me understanding that I may live. 

As you read the Word of God, you will see how righteous the Lord God is. His righteousness has reigned from the beginning and it continues to reign today. God is ultimately holy, pure and good. Everything He does, says and commands is right and good. So whatever is going on in life for you right now, that is something steadfast and strong that you can hold onto! You may feel ‘small and despised’ but when you know and rely on The Word of God you have The One who is mighty, powerful, majestic, good, righteous and everlasting standing with you! His words and promises are ‘well tried’, so are you loving and depending on them? 

Even if you feel that, ‘Trouble and anguish have found me out' you can have hope and take delight for His ‘testimonies are righteous forever’! You have nothing to fear when you know the truth that God is with you and for you. He is the ultimate, never-ending authority and ensures that His Word is always kept.So, instead of asking for escape from your circumstances, why not ask for understanding? Learn to trust in nothing else, other than The Word of God, for it benefits the; rich, poor, lonely, surrounded, simple and wise, and God's promises to you will always be fulfilled. 

God's Word helps you in battle

 Psalm 119:81–88 (ESV): 

Kaph

 81  My soul longs for your salvation; 

I hope in your word. 

 82  My eyes long for your promise; 

I ask, “When will you comfort me?” 

 83  For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, 

yet I have not forgotten your statutes. 

 84  How long must your servant endure? 

When will you judge those who persecute me? 

 85  The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; 

they do not live according to your law. 

 86  All your commandments are sure; 

they persecute me with falsehood; help me! 

 87  They have almost made an end of me on earth, 

but I have not forsaken your precepts. 

 88  In your steadfast love give me life, 

that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. 

Do you long for salvation and for God’s promises? Sometimes you can feel dry, cracked and worn out like a ‘wineskin in the smoke’, do you keep holding onto God’s promises then? Even when life is tough, and it looks like God’s blessings are far off, do you remain obedient? 

It can seem that the world is against you at times, and in some ways that is true, as the Prince of this world, Satan, wants to prevent you from living God’s way. So he will send temptations, trials and troublesome people to obliterate your faith and surround you with lies. What do you do when that happens? 

This writer admits they have experienced this, yet although ‘they have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts’. Their steadfast love and faithfulness to God has held firm. For they have taken the truth of God’s Word, read it, studied it and applied it to their life. So now, in the times of trouble, they can depend upon God and know what the truth is. They know He has spoken about salvation, freedom and the blessing of the obedient. They are assured of salvation because ‘i hope in your word’. They really know what God is like and what He has said for they have taken time to learn and obey. So now, in  persecution, they can trust that God is for them and will bring them through. They have built a firm foundation of faith, and can rely on the knowledge that they are one of God’s people, so He will come to their aid against any enemy that comes against them. They have the Word of God to rely on. Jesus fought with Satan in the wilderness with the Word of God, and eventually the enemy fled. For he cannot stand against God’s Word. So, are you investing time in reading and understanding Scripture? It is a powerful weapon in times of trouble!

Psalm 119:89–96 (ESV): 

Lamedh

 89  Forever, O Lord, your word 

is firmly fixed in the heavens. 

 90  Your faithfulness endures to all generations; 

you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 

 91  By your appointment they stand this day, 

for all things are your servants. 

 92  If your law had not been my delight, 

I would have perished in my affliction. 

 93  I will never forget your precepts, 

for by them you have given me life. 

 94  I am yours; save me, 

for I have sought your precepts. 

 95  The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, 

but I consider your testimonies. 

 96  I have seen a limit to all perfection, 

but your commandment is exceedingly broad. 

Sometimes life is hard so that you feel downcast and like life is a drudge. Especially when there’s unfair persecution when you are living your life faithfully obedient to God. When will the suffering end? is often a question we ask, and when will the persecuters get their comeuppance? At those times, how precious and beautiful is the Word of God! The reliable, consistent life-giving statutes, the truth, hope, reassurance and revelation of Jesus, the conviction of sin and righteousness. Oh how promising and enjoyable are the Scriptures that not only are in our hands, but are ‘firmly fixed in the heavens’! 

When you feel disheartened, disillusioned or downcast, remember not only the sufferings of Christ, but the established faithfulness of God through millennia, and the steadfastness of His Word. Turn to God, trust in Scripture and cling to it. This writer, even when enemies are lying in wait makes a point of recalling God’s Word. Just like Jesus, this writer uses the Word of God to fight his battles. Do you do the same? To do this you can; commit to memory the Word of God, recall stories and verses, remember the battles fought and won in times past, and trust in the testimonies of God’s goodness. These are the things to dwell upon rather than the distress of the situation you are in or the threats of the enemy. For even the perfect plan of Satan, however welll thought through and resourced is limited (v96) and cannot stand against God’s Word. His Word has given you life, it is trustworthy and certain and established in the heavens. Are you using it to bring life, hope and victory in your troubles?

Following the ancient ways

 Psalm 119:49–56(ESV): 

Zayin

 49  Remember your word to your servant, 

in which you have made me hope. 

 50  This is my comfort in my affliction, 

that your promise gives me life. 

 51  The insolent utterly deride me, 

but I do not turn away from your law. 

 52  When I think of your rules from of old, 

I take comfort, O Lord. 

 53  Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, 

who forsake your law. 

 54  Your statutes have been my songs 

in the house of my sojourning. 

 55  I remember your name in the night, O Lord, 

and keep your law. 

 56  This blessing has fallen to me, 

that I have kept your precepts. 

God’s Word contains ancient assurances that have stood the test of time, giving security and something dependable to trust in. No other rules or laws are that reliable. Acts are rewritten and updated, laws contested and changed throughout the world and throughout the ages. Yet there is one set of statutes that you can live by that have never been adjusted and that will never be changed. The Law of God has never altered. His commandments about loving Him and loving others, that Jesus also taught, finds it’s source in the Old Testament which was written thousands of years ago, and has never been updated or changed. You can still live by this guidance, it has been tried and tested through thousands of generations, all across the world. The wisest man that ever lived, Solomon recommended it, and no other regulations or rules can lead to life like it does. The Law of God has been followed across nations, cultures and generations, and has been shown to bring life, peace, comfort and strength to those who follow it. What other law does that?! 

How aggravating when people come against it, using persuasive words and delicious temptations to defile and devalue the Word of God (v53). They abandon God’s rules and forget the songs, and how inviting it can seem for you to do the same. To choose a different path of life, different songs to sing, different ‘new’ rules to follow. Yet, can these new influences and desires really bring comfort, strength, or joy? Is it not the ‘rules from of old’ that bring consistent comfort, security, hope and joy? The ancient way that has been tested through the generations, through thousands of years that has led to providing a hope and future for nations and millions of people, surely it makes sense to follow that way rather than anything temporal and untested?

Instead of being tempted to follow the ways of others, of bending with cultural norms, remember God’s Word. Do not allow the persuasive or inviting ways of others sway you, but stand firm with the Word of God that has remained steadfast since the beginning of time. Read, listen to and apply Scripture to your life as it has been giving people freedom and life from ancient days, and it can do the same for you. No other way will provide peace, comfort or joy like God’s Word does.

Psalm 119:56-64 (ESV): 

Heth

 57  The Lord is my portion; 

I promise to keep your words. 

 58  I entreat your favour with all my heart; 

be gracious to me according to your promise. 

 59  When I think on my ways, 

I turn my feet to your testimonies; 

 60  I hasten and do not delay 

to keep your commandments. 

 61  Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, 

I do not forget your law. 

 62  At midnight I rise to praise you, 

because of your righteous rules. 

 63  I am a companion of all who fear you, 

of those who keep your precepts. 

 64  The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; 

teach me your statutes! 

How committed are you to keeping God’s Word? Do you ‘think on my ways’, to ensure that you are heading in the right direction? This writer takes time to reflect on their behaviour and choices, and is honest enough to admit that they ‘turn my feet to your testimonies’. It is good to consider the direction you are going in often. Then it is as easy as changing the angle of your feet to re-align with God’s ways. Slightly adjusting your path to ensure that you don’t wander off-track and become far from God is easier than carrying on, and finding yourself lost with a lot of ground to cover. 

God’s Word is a marvellous guide, are you making sure you follow it, adjusting your direction as you go? Why not take a few moments to think upon your ways (v59). Consider - are your thoughts and your feet aligned to the path God wants you to tread? It is easy to get lost or take a wrong turn when you are not checking the directions, so grab hold of the Word of God and ask the Lord to lead you.

Why live God's way?

 Psalm 119:33–40 (ESV): 

He

 33  Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; 

and I will keep it to the end. 

 34  Give me understanding, that I may keep your law 

and observe it with my whole heart. 

 35  Lead me in the path of your commandments, 

for I delight in it. 

 36  Incline my heart to your testimonies, 

and not to selfish gain! 

 37  Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; 

and give me life in your ways. 

 38  Confirm to your servant your promise, 

that you may be feared. 

 39  Turn away the reproach that I dread, 

for your rules are good. 

 40  Behold, I long for your precepts; 

in your righteousness give me life! 

Allow God to teach you. Do not get distracted by the things of this world, but hold firm to the Word of God. Determine to see God’s commands as good, even when they are difficult. For He is a good parent, He gives boundaries and instructions so that you you can live a good, godly and healthy life. 

The rules of parents do not always make sense to their children, but when the children obey them, they grow well. When they do not, there is fear, anger, relationship breakdown and a life lived outside the safety of the family. Therefore, rather than trying to see what you can get away with, or ignoring some of the rules because they seem old, boring or not in line with cultural expectations, ask God to teach you. Remind yourself that God is the best parent, and that as His child you may not understand all that He expects of you. Then ask Him to ‘give me understanding that i may keep your law’ and ‘lead me in the path of your commandments, for i delight in it’. being happy learning about instructions is difficult to do! Yet, you can ask God for help, and through learning more about God and His character, you will see more clearly that He loves you and wants the best for you. The you can come to love His ways and His instructions. 

Following God can become joyful when you look at the big picture. God gives you promises (v38), He turns away reproach (v39), and He gives you life now and for eternity (v40). If these are the consequences of obedience to Him, surely it is worth it!

Psalm 119:40–48 (ESV): 

Waw

 41  Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, 

your salvation according to your promise; 

 42  then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, 

for I trust in your word. 

 43  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, 

for my hope is in your rules. 

 44  I will keep your law continually, 

forever and ever, 

 45  and I shall walk in a wide place, 

for I have sought your precepts. 

 46  I will also speak of your testimonies before kings 

and shall not be put to shame, 

 47  for I find my delight in your commandments, 

which I love. 

 48  I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, 

and I will meditate on your statutes. 

Reading the Bible shows you that you are loved. God’s testimonies, His rules, the history of His people - all of these can reveal to you the vastness, beauty and reality of God’s love for you. He has ensured that you can read and hear about His character, goodness, battles, care and power through His Word. He has made sure all of this is written down because He wants to reveal His love to you. God's love is not fickle or minute, but steadfast and everlasting. Therefore read the Bible and discover the love of God!

This revelation of how God loves you should fill you with such joy and passion that you determine to ‘keep your law continually’. Whether you are in ‘a wide place’, speaking ‘before kings’ or in front ‘of him who taunts me’, God loves you and is with you. Therefore you can courageously speak and stand on the truth, no matter where you are, or who you are with. 

Does the environment you are in, or the people you are with effect your behaviour and topics of conversation? Do you acknowledge and love God in every place and in front of every person? Your love and obedience to God should not be hidden or changeable. Instead, the love of God should be your guiding force in life, not the love of anything or anyone else. 

Desire to lead a life pleasing to Him and you will have love, joy and peace, even when before kings and enemies.

The Word of wondrous things

 Psalm 119:17–24(ESV): 

Gimel

 17  Deal bountifully with your servant, 

that I may live and keep your word. 

 18  Open my eyes, that I may behold 

wondrous things out of your law. 

 19  I am a sojourner on the earth; 

hide not your commandments from me! 

 20  My soul is consumed with longing 

for your rules at all times. 

 21  You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, 

who wander from your commandments. 

 22  Take away from me scorn and contempt, 

for I have kept your testimonies. 

 23  Even though princes sit plotting against me, 

your servant will meditate on your statutes. 

 24  Your testimonies are my delight; 

they are my counsellors. 

Does reading the Bible give you fresh revelation, comfort, wonder? Do you expect it to? 

This psalmist expects and desires to see ‘wondrous things’ when they read scripture. For The Word of God is precious and beautiful, and it can reveal new and incredible things when you study it. God’s word can inspire, strengthen, challenge, comfort and delight you. It can also build a sense of awe for who God is, and what He has done. If you struggle to see this, then pray, ‘open my eyes that i may behold wondrous things out of your law’. Who knows what new things you will notice, and what joy you will receive when you approach the Bible expecting and waiting for God to speak to you.

This wonderful Word of God that we have access to is written for you. It shows a life and a kingdom that is to come, and how to navigate this season where you are ‘a sojourner on the earth’. You were not created to belong here, but to be a citizen of God’s realm. So whilst you wait to join Him for eternity, read His Word so that you can live well here, in preparation for what is to come. Although this life may seem arduous and long at times, eternity is longer! So learn to live as a ‘sojourner’, a traveller, someone that is just passing through this place, as your eternal home is with God for eternity, not here on Earth. You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God, so you need to know how to live like one. Do not rely on anyone else to show you how to do it, whether they are good people, great people or influential people. Even princes and those in power don’t have it all figured out, nor do friends or coworkers, they are struggling to live beyond this life too. Instead allow God’s Word to counsel you, guard you and guide you. Ask God to make clear His words and instructions that you may live well in this temporary accommodation with respect and honour, whilst you await your eternal, permanent home. 

Psalm 119:25–32 (ESV)

Daleth

 25  My soul clings to the dust; 

give me life according to your word! 

 26  When I told of my ways, you answered me; 

teach me your statutes! 

 27  Make me understand the way of your precepts, 

and I will meditate on your wondrous works. 

 28  My soul melts away for sorrow; 

strengthen me according to your word! 

 29  Put false ways far from me 

and graciously teach me your law! 

 30  I have chosen the way of faithfulness; 

I set your rules before me. 

 31  I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; 

let me not be put to shame! 

 32  I will run in the way of your commandments 

when you enlarge my heart! 

‘when i told you of my ways, you answered me’. How beautiful to know that God is not distant or ignorant, but He leans in, listens, and answers! The fact that the writer has told God what he has done indicates that they have made mistakes (v26). They have got it wrong on their pursuit of living a life pleasing to God and confessed to Him their sin. God responded and their reply was ‘teach me your statutes’. What a wonderful response to getting it wrong! Instead of floundering in sin or being overcome with shame, this person approached God, was restored by Him and then desired greater understanding of Scripture. Through pondering on their ways, this person realised that the root cause of their error was that they did not know or understand of the Word of God. Therefore, the answer to avoid sin is to ask God to ‘make me understand the way of your precepts’. Sometimes you may not know why God says to do or not to do something, so ask God to help you understand and ask Him to reveal how to apply Scripture to your life. 

It is not easy, but being a faithful follower of God. It requires obedience and that you humble yourself before Him. Acknowledging that He does in fact know best, even when it is hard to understand, and your heart yearns for something else can be painfully difficult. Therefore, like the psalmist, ask God to enlarge your heart so that you feel the same as God does about sin and situations. God can guide you, help you and change your desires when you invite Him to. Turning away from sin and learning to ‘run in the way of your commandments’ is difficult when you try to do it on your own. However, you have the ear of the author of the Bible. So, you have the great privilege of being able to talk to Him, ask Him how to apply His Word to your life. He alone will save you from sin and can enlarge your heart to care for the things He does. He doesn’t want you to keep clinging to the dust in despair. You can trust in His love and faithfulness to rescue and restore you. His Word is full of wondrous things - are you seeing them?

What rules do you follow?

As we begin to study Psalm 119 a couple of paragraphs at a time, we will see how every section exemplifies the brilliance of Scripture. If you allow God’s Word to have influence in your life, even when it is difficult, then you will be blessed. How wonderful it is for displaying God, giving direction, confidence, and building faith. The Bible is precious and beautiful, for it contains the very words of God, so read it carefully and in reverence, for it has the power to change your life.

Psalm 119:1–8 (ESV): 

Aleph

119  Blessed are those whose way is blameless, 

who walk in the law of the Lord! 

 2  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, 

who seek him with their whole heart, 

 3  who also do no wrong, 

but walk in his ways! 

 4  You have commanded your precepts 

to be kept diligently. 

 5  Oh that my ways may be steadfast 

in keeping your statutes! 

 6  Then I shall not be put to shame, 

having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. 

 7  I will praise you with an upright heart, 

when I learn your righteous rules. 

 8  I will keep your statutes; 

do not utterly forsake me! 

What a great understanding this writer has of the beauty of the law of God. They honour and respect Scripture, but also acknowledge that they struggle to know and obey it! Has anything changed in the thousands of years that have passed since this was penned?! The Bible is both beautiful and terrifying, as us humans continue the struggle to understand and diligently apply the statutes of God to our lives.

The person who can live their life in complete obedience to the Word of God will be blessed, as they know not the shame and repentance sin brings, but instead the favour of God poured out upon them. Yet how difficult it is to live that righteous life, but do not give! Continue to strive for obedience, practice righteousness and keep asking God for forgiveness that He will not ‘utterly forsake’ you. I love the honesty of these words, and the hope that it brings. Although we go wrong, we have opportunity to try again. God is so kind to give us the opportunity and reminders to change, no wonder the writer says, 'I will praise you with an upright heart'. Do you praise God because of His commandments and statutes? Knowing the standards and instructions of God can lead to praise as you recognise how holy, good and glorious He is. God lives to a standard of love and purity that you cannot attain, yet he still gives you the opportunity to live a holier life. He welcomes and forgives you time and again. He knows that you try, and He loves it when you desire to live His way and not your own, for in your obedience you demonstrate your love to Him. Faithfulness to God is important to Him and it should be to you too, plus, for you, it leads to blessing. Therefore keep desiring to love the Word of God and obey it. It does you good; it leads you out of sin, shows you the way of righteousness and blessing, and reveals the love and might of God throughout. There is no other written word that is as powerful!

Psalm 119:9–16 (ESV): 

Beth

 9  How can a young man keep his way pure? 

By guarding it according to your word. 

 10  With my whole heart I seek you; 

let me not wander from your commandments! 

 11  I have stored up your word in my heart, 

that I might not sin against you. 

 12  Blessed are you, O Lord; 

teach me your statutes! 

 13  With my lips I declare 

all the rules of your mouth. 

 14  In the way of your testimonies I delight 

as much as in all riches. 

 15  I will meditate on your precepts 

and fix my eyes on your ways. 

 16  I will delight in your statutes; 

I will not forget your word. 

The temptations for the young seem especially hard, and every generation does have different types of challenges as technology and expectations of society change. Yet The Word of God never changes. Therefore in order to keep your way pure, prevent confusion and constant changing of ideals, invest in the Word of God. Scripture has remained good, noble and pure since it was created. Seeking God and ‘guarding’ your behaviour according to God’s Word is only one way to live a life of purity and constancy. 

Be diligent in your search and desire for righteousness, read, learn, understand and apply the Word of God that you may figure out how to live life well. Do not settle for the standards of others, or society, instead, seek the statutes of the Kingdom of God, fix your eyes on God and His direction. Do not allow your own wants, others ideas, or cultural dynamics dictate your desires and behaviours, but ask God alone to ‘teach me your statutes’. If you want to learn how to live life well, there is only One who will tell you the way. He has been instructing people for millennia how to live a blessed life. Others will tell you a multitude of ways and ideas which may seem attractive, but will lead ultimately to discontentment, confusion and heartache. Only God will show you the right way to live. You have been given the best guide to living a good, pure and holy life - the Bible. Read it and follow it. Then you will see how to live a satisfied life of purity, delight and blessing

His works and Words

 Psalm 19:1–14 (ESV):  

1  The heavens declare the glory of God, 

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 

2  Day to day pours out speech, 

and night to night reveals knowledge. 

3  There is no speech, nor are there words, 

whose voice is not heard. 

4  Their voice goes out through all the earth, 

and their words to the end of the world. 

In them he has set a tent for the sun, 

5  which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, 

and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 

6  Its rising is from the end of the heavens, 

and its circuit to the end of them, 

and there is nothing hidden from its heat. 

7  The law of the Lord is perfect, 

reviving the soul; 

the testimony of the Lord is sure, 

making wise the simple; 

8  the precepts of the Lord are right, 

rejoicing the heart; 

the commandment of the Lord is pure, 

enlightening the eyes; 

9  the fear of the Lord is clean, 

enduring forever; 

the rules of the Lord are true, 

and righteous altogether. 

10  More to be desired are they than gold, 

even much fine gold; 

sweeter also than honey 

and drippings of the honeycomb. 

11  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; 

in keeping them there is great reward. 

12  Who can discern his errors? 

Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 

13  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; 

let them not have dominion over me! 

Then I shall be blameless, 

and innocent of great transgression. 

14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 

be acceptable in your sight, 

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 

The glory of God is spoken by all of creation. Day and night. Throughout the world. No-one has an excuse to not have heard from God - if they simply look around, walk or breathe they can experience what God has spoken! The sky, day, night and even the heat of the sun, speak of the truth, power, authority, glory, understanding and strength of God. Do you hear God's voice through these things? The daily cycle, the beginnings and ends, all tell you something of God if you take time to consider them. No matter where you are or what you are doing you cannot hide from the revelation of God through nature. God has spoken the universe into being and He speaks through it to all mankind to display who He is. Are you listening to His voice through it?

After considering what creation tells him of God, David abruptly switches to speaking of the words of God within the Bible. Both the world and the Word carry the voice of God within them and demonstrate something of who God is. Creation can establish awe and wonder as we see God as a powerful creator and sustainer, yet this is not the full picture of who God is. If you just look at the works of an artist, you may get some idea of who they are, what they like or are passionate about, but the works will not reveal the fullness of their character. In order to understand the artist, you need to listen to their words as well as admire their works. The same is true of God - You can begin to appreciate something of who God is through nature as they are His works, but how much more can you understand if you also hear His Words?! 

You need the Word of God, the Bible, to deepen and widen your understanding of God. The Bible will  enlighten you as to who God is, and has great benefits for you. In this psalm David tells how the Scriptures; revive, refresh, increase knowledge and understanding, give joy, and enlighten. So if you need any of those things today, open your Bible and see how God will speak to you. The Word of God will show you how perfect, loving, strong and reliable God is. You will also discover more about His purity, everlasting nature, righteousness and His expectations and rules for your life. As you discover more about God, you will also find out more about yourself, and you will grow when you take onboard the revelation and instruction of God. You will become more satisfied as you discover the reality of life and treasure the fact that God has really spoken to you - through thousands of years and thousands of people. His words are written for your benefit, are you taking His words onboard and allowing them to influence your life? 

Considering both God’s power and sustenance through creation, and what the Bible teaches can; inspire, create awe and wonder, comfort, give security, joy, wisdom, truth, advice, instruction, warning and reward as well as revive and enlighten you. Do you need some of that today? As whatever it is you need, God can provide it for you, are you allowing Him to? 

By considering God's works and opening His Word you will receive great treasure, it will change your life.

 9  the fear of the Lord is clean, 

enduring forever; 

the rules of the Lord are true, 

and righteous altogether. 

10  More to be desired are they than gold, 

even much fine gold; 

sweeter also than honey 

and drippings of the honeycomb. 

Are you a hearer or a doer?

As we start our reflection today, I am just going to recap some of the things James has covered so far in the first part of his letter;

• Withstanding the trials and temptations of life help you develop steadfastness. 
• As you grow in steadfastness you demonstrate your love for God and are on your way to gaining the crown of life. 
• There are things you need to watch out for that can overwhelm you and get you off track causing you not to show or live in the goodness of God. 
• Anger is not holy.
• Communication is an important way in which you can show the righteous life you have as a child of God. 

These points seem simple and logical, yet it does not seem so simple implementing them into everyday life does it? I struggle with it, especially that last one - being more considered in how I communicate. That is a constant effort and I know don’t live up to the standard of righteousness in each conversation. How are you doing? Have you made progress as you have been pondering this letter of James? It is ok if you find it hard, but are you endeavouring to lead a more righteous life?

James 1:22-25;

be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. *23*For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. *24*For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. *25*But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. 

The things God has been teaching you, have you put them into practice? Or have you just looked at it, heard it and walked away? That is what James is challenging us within these verses. If you know that God has been pinpointing a certain behaviour, mindset or sin, and you realise that you haven’t got something quite in line with God’s expectations, then you need to sort it out. Not eventually, not when it is convenient, at a different time in life, but now. Otherwise you’re like someone who forgets what they look like. You are like someone who has gained insight into who they are and then just walked away. There’s no point reading and studying the Bible, praying, or going to church if you are not implementing what you reading, hearing and seeing. If you ignore what God and others are teaching you then you are ‘deceiving yourselves’, forgetting who you are. Faith in God requires action. Some people read the Bible diligently, study and investigate scripture, turn up to events and prayer meetings but remain completely unchanged. Why? Because they have no interest in putting it into practice, maybe because they are comfortable or it is too much like hard work. Don’t be one of those. They have forgotten what they look like. They don't know who they are or who they could be. God wants more for you and from you.

If someone reads the Bible, prays and carries on as they are without any change, it is like someone reading a car manual. It is pointless doing so unless you’re going to do what the manual says. It would be a waste of time and certainly won’t help the smooth running of the car. Ignoring the advice within the manual would be ignorant and could cause long-term damage. The same is true for how you handle the Bible. If you ignore what it says, don't implement the advice and instructions given then you are not living the best life you can, and that can cause long-term damage. 

These verses tell us the Bible is, ‘the perfect law, the law of liberty’. So, if you ignore it you are desiring imperfection and restriction in your life. Whereas if you challenge yourself to do as the Word of God says you will be following the perfect law and learning to live in freedom. Not only that, but the promise is that you ‘will be blessed’ by persevering and putting into practice what God is teaching you. If you seek to live a righteous, God-honouring life, it requires action. Being a follower of Jesus requires you to, 'be doers of the word, and not hearers only'. 

The Bible is alive!

‘the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. *13*And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.’ 
Hebrews 4:12–13.

The Word of God is ‘living and active’ - what does that mean to you, and does it effect the way you approach the Bible?

The fact is that the very words you read within the Bible are alive. They are the active words of God; The printed out words that we see on a page, or glowing from a screen, are actually alive, they have breath in them. That seems strange, doesn’t it?
The fact that these words are ‘living and active’ shows me that they are; constantly applicable, relevant, able to bring life, change, challenge and a new perspective. These words can; inspire, direct, convict, comfort and grow new life in you. Isn’t that incredibly powerful?!

Not all printed words have life, only the words of scripture do because they are the very words of God himself. God who is living and active right now has given us His living and active revelation throughout the Bible.
What a privilege it is then to be able to hold these words  in our hands, to have access to these God-breathed utterances and read them! Do you feel the privilege and weight of what you are accessing when you read God’s words?
These words can actually breathe life into your life, they can bring refreshment, comfort, restoration, conviction. In short, these words can alter your life - and you have free and easy access to this.

I think, really, the Bible should come with a warning. Something like, ‘open at your peril, are you prepared for your life to change?’!
The Bible is a living work. It contains God’s words, which we all know are powerful - I mean, they separated the light from darkness, created the world, speak life and death, bring healing, separate seas, transform minds, I could go on…. And you can find out for yourself many more incredible things God’s word achieves when you read it.
Bearing this in mind - when you are reading your Bible; are you prepared?
Are you prepared to meet Jesus?
To hear from God?
Be convicted by the Holy Spirit?

God’s words have the propensity to change you. They can pierce your heart and mind and interpret your innermost thoughts and intentions, and no matter your excuses -  your true nature will be revealed. As you read God’s words, it’s like you are laid bare before Him. Nothing hidden. All of your; bumps, bruises, wounds, pain, comfort, passions, lies, responsibilities, strengths, sins and weaknesses are laid open. Completely exposed.
Does that scare you?
In some ways it should - if you have something you want to hide, then yes, be aware that the living and active word of God will highlight it - He is good at separating light and darkness! But in the most part being exposed before God shouldn’t scare you. God is a loving, nurturing Father. He wants to heal your wounds and diseases, to remove the pain and discomfort, to revel in your passions and your strengths. He wants to be your strength in your weakness, to be with you in the difficulties and reveal truth in your life.

So, next time you take hold of this living word in your hands - take a moment to prepare yourself.
Beware when you open your Bible - there’s no hiding from God when you do, He is ready to talk to you and He’s ready to; transform, challenge, renew, energise and cleanse you - are you prepared for that?

Hearing by Faith

I was reading Galatians:1-5 this morning, and I was struck by the repetition of the phrases, 'works of the law' and 'hearing by faith'. 

It got me thinking of the differences between these, and what these phrases actually mean. We hear them so often we can assume that we understand what they mean as they trip off our tongue. so, I spent a bit of time thinking about it and this is what I came up with;

'works of the law' - the hardwork of abiding by the instructions/rules without any context. This can be draining, confusing and boring! 

Thinking about it though, this is so easy to do, when we have busy lives (and who doesn't?!), it's so easy to go with the flow, carry on doing things naturally like we're on a default setting. 

I do it, you know when you pray and read the Bible, give, help out others because it's routine. It's like we are performing in a certain way because, 'it's the right thing to do'. 

{Sometimes, it's right to do this, i'm not saying stop doing those things because the reality is, life gets hard sometimes, and it is a struggle, and if we can keep feeding ourselves with what is good, then that can still change our hearts despite our attitude.}

  

'hearing with faith' - taking time to focus and concentrate in order to benefit through the strength of the trusting relationship that has been built.

Thinking about this this morning I have realised that this involves TIME. Time that is set apart to spend with God, reading the Word and praying. So, I have set time out in my diary to do that. If I don't, it wont happen. also, if I don't, I miss out on what God wants me to hear. 

After pondering on this I was led to draw, and the result is below:

I then thought about how living by works of the law can seem comfortable and safe, like being in the cage although it restricts what we are able to see and do. We are provided for and have the basics we need. Hearing with faith however allows us to experience the abundance of what God has for us. 

I was quite happy with this interpretation, until I thought about what happens when the storms come? the night sets in? the enemy attacks? being free and out in the open can then suddenly seem pretty lonely and terrifying! The cage is secure. 

I felt that God was reminding me that you have to have a bit of both. It is ok to rest and re-coop in His safety, we will ALWAYS need His word and prayer in order to fuel us for living by the Spirit. 

It is so easy to see the 'law' as old-fashioned, out-of-date, but it is actually foundational and revelatory. Each person who lives by faith has a place where their foundation was born. This probably originated, or has certainly grown strength in the Word of God, and speaking to Him. 

I know that this has challenged me, maybe because I recognise that although we can often sneer at those we read about in the Bible, thinking 'haven't they got it yet'? 'how many chances do they need?'

 

but I now see, I am one of those. 

I have often realised that I should spend more time with God, but I still slip into the 'works' of life, and trundle on. That is what it is, trundling, not getting very far, but it's hard work. 

I decide anew, now, to make an extra effort to 'hearing with faith' what God has to say to me, through His word and prayer.