Does God define you by your illnesses or your human imperfections? No, He doesn't measure us by the world's standards. It is not our emotional, mental, and physical strengths that are the standard God measures for salvation. What counts is that we love God and follow Jesus Christ. Psalm 147:1-11 fills me with peace as I read it, and I immediately offer praise to the Lord. It speaks of building up Jerusalem and of gathering together the outcasts of Israel; and...
When I read Psalm 119: 1-8, I want to talk about every single verse, because each speaks volumes of wisdom. I am drawn by verses that reach right into my heart. I want to be the person that seeks the Lord, that is disciplined and righteous. Oh how much better a person I would like to be for God. But I am not. I am me: I fall short of the glory of God.
But wait! I have already found the answer for that.
God sent His Son Jesus Christ, who died on the cross and paid for all my sins and your sins too. I believe He died and arose from the dead. I have confessed my sin and asked Jesus to be Lord of my life, to be my Savior. I can trust that He will guide and teach me. I do not have to be filled with regret, because I can press on with God as my guide. And I know He is merciful, full of the grace that I need so desperately.
I am thankful for the wisdom in Psalm 119, because I need to learn all I can about my God, and live for Him. His statutes are there to teach me, to help me be a better person, however imperfect I may be.
My prayer is that of the Psalmist: "I shall give thanks to Thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn Thy righteous judgments. I shall keep thy statutes; Do not forsake me utterly!" Thank you, Father God, that nothing can separate me from Your love, because I have given my heart and my life to Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen
Psalm 119: 1 - 8
How blessed are those whose way is blameless,
Who walk in the law of the Lord.
2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,
Who seek Him with all their heart.
3 They also do no unrighteousness;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have ordained Your precepts,
That we should keep them diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be established
To keep Your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be ashamed
When I look upon all Your commandments.
7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I shall keep Your statutes;
Do not forsake me utterly!
“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB."
www.lockman.org
