While God may have inspired the author to write the psalm
all at once, the content of the psalm represents a lifetime of growth. Each
stanza represents a different stage in the author's life or a different lesson
that he learned. For each of these learning moments, he records the truth that
he has captured. By the end of the psalm, we see the life-long testimony of a
man who sought to walk in God's ways.
The journey of the psalmist starts with a goal. His goal is
based on a passion that has been ignited in him by others he has observed. He
has seen others who "walk in the law
of the LORD" (v. 1). He states in verses 1-3 that these people are
blameless, they observe God's testimonies, and they seek God with all their
heart. They do no unrighteousness, and they walk in God's ways.
The psalmist is not observing perfect people, because the
Bible clearly states that there are none. What he does see are people who are
committed to following God and who have testimonies of consistent obedience.
The author's estimation of these people is that they are blessed, a word he
uses in both verse one and verse two.
This young man is filled with admiration and respect for the
godly influences in his life. He recognizes the wonderful blessing of their
position. Verse four expresses the significance of what these spiritual leaders
are doing. They are doing what God has intended for them to do. God desires for
His people to obey Him diligently.
The examples of these spiritual heroes inspire the psalmist
to long for the same experience, stability, and spiritual success that they
enjoy. He earnestly expresses his own desire in the final four verses of the
psalm. He wants to be able to walk according to God's Word. He desires to keep
God's Word to the extent that he is not ashamed by failures. He expresses his
intent to thank God after his goal, which he clearly believes to be possible,
is achieved. The stanza closes with a firm statement of intent and a plea for
God's help.
This stanza is a great challenge to any Christian in two
respects. First, it calls for evaluation. Is he living in a way that would
inspire others to want to live for God? Is he faithfully keeping God's
commandments? Is he earnestly seeking God? Would people look at his spiritual
experience and believe him to be blessed? Does his testimony encourage others to
long for a deeper walk with God?
Second, it calls for commitment. Does he have a heart-felt
desire to walk in God's ways? Is he determined to keep His commandments? Does he
long for an increasing intensity in his Christian life? Does he want to move from
where he is to achieve the same blessing that his spiritual heroes have received?
The psalmist's words of prayer are a tremendous guide for supplication
by God's people today. It is certainly appropriate to echo these intentions,
aspirations, and longings. It is also appropriate and necessary to ask for
God's help in the pursuit.
"Oh that my ways
may be established to keep Your statutes!" Psalm 119:5 (NASB)
No comments:
Post a Comment
As you leave comments and feedback, please remember that this site is desiged to edify and encourage.