Thoughts for the Day

Psalm 139

33. Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I will observe 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 Turn my heart to your decrees,
and not to selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
40 See, I have longed for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Psalm 119 is the creme de la creme of psalms, as we have seen before. We cannot go wrong if we try to live by its precepts. This little section, verses 33-40 is full of teaching, but I want to look just at verse 34 today:

'Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.'

As children we learn best when we understand why a parent is laying down the law. A shouted "Stop!" will be obeyed as we cross a busy road, when there is no time for an explanation. But most rules are best explained, to help the child learn about danger and begin to make their own decisions about safety and risk-taking.

It's just the same with God. Jesus taught us that He is our Heavenly Father, and like a good parent wishes the best for us. However, we need to understand His laws and we can only do that by studying the scriptures and applying them to our life. Try looking at either verse 36 or verse 37 above for a moment, and applying it to your own life. Review it later as you think back over your day!

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Heavenly Father,
teach us each day to understand
Your will for us.
May we begin to read our bible
and apply what we learn to our life.
When we fail, help us to start again
with fresh incentive,
determined to continue to the end.
Amen.