How easy it is to flow in the breeze of social norms and turn our backs on the Lord’s way – something I struggle with daily. These verses in Psalm 119 are wonderful requests to God, to help us through the day.
33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.
Reading God’s Word daily, allows us to find His written instructions. It’s good to be continually reminded of what we are to do and how we are to act. The repetition makes for a firm foundation when times of difficult decision making arrive.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
Study Bibles give added incite to better understanding of what God is telling us. There are also books written on specific Bible topics. I have participated in many Bible studies, both in a group or on my own: Beth Moore Studies, N.T.Wright‘s study guide JOHN, and THE STORY published by Zondervan.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Following God’s steadfast way fills our lives with love. Following temporary trends of society mocks God’s way, offering only momentary happiness.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
On a personal note, it bothers me to hear God’s third commandment broken. A verbal habit that can so easily be changed. I wrote a book about the widespread social misuse, available this spring. And to God be all the glory for placing this project on my heart, and helping those who choose to break this habit after reading the biblical information.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
With the bombarding of social media, it is easy to get distracted. Time is valuable. Consider the enjoyment you can bestow on another human being with a twenty minute phone call, verses twenty minutes of scrolling on your inanimate iPad.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
God says He has a plan for me Jeremiah 29:11, that He has rest for the weary Matthew 11:28-29, and gives power to the weak Isaiah 40:29-31. My belief in Him stands firm.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
Choosing God’s way over society may lead to ridicule. But personal beliefs, from either side, do not justify disrespect. It is always up to God to change an unbelievers heart, and He may be doing just that through our standing strong in His way.
40How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
Knowing how to socialize in a group setting we feel uncomfortable in, is hard. Christians don’t want to make wrong choices against God, yet we don’t want to be friendless. For me, anytime this situation comes up I ask God to keep me strong. Turning to Him is my only option.
He will forever be there for us, as we each grow stronger with every decision we make to follow His way.
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Lift Him Up 