August 27, 2019 -- Psalm 119:5 -- Faith-filled living

Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!

Psalm 119:5 English Standard Version

Statutes are the laws laid down by God—the Divine Law-Giver. All the words for the laws of the LORD which we find in Psalm 119 like: testimonies, ways, commandments, statutes and so on, are also in Deuteronomy—the words of Moses declared to the people just before he died and the people of Israel entered the Promised Land. Deuteronomy is a confirmation of all the laws of God the Deliverer. He is the Sovereign LORD Who rescued His people from Egypt. That rescue is a foreshadowing of the greatest rescue of all: God delivering us from our bondage to sin and setting us free in Jesus Christ.

The psalmist is longing to live out that freedom of God’s great rescue. As Christians we have a perspective that the psalmist does not—we know the testimonies of Scripture and know that Jesus Christ has brought freedom from our slavery to sin, has given us new life, and has poured His Spirit into us so that we can live for Jesus in our thoughts, words and deeds.

I John 5: 4 - 5: Every God-begotten person conquers the world’s ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. The person who wins out over the world’s ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God. —The Message

The longing of the psalmist’s heart is answered in Jesus. Our sins are conquered. When we cry out to God and ask for our sins to be forgiven, the thundering answer from the throne room is: “Yes! Amen in Jesus Christ!” And as forgiven sinners we learn to love God and walk in step with Him. Our sinful habits become repugnant as we take on a new identity in Christ. The world is awed by the power of faith—what Jesus is accomplishing in us and through us. And this is anchored in the truth: Jesus is the Son of God—fully God and fully Man.

As we read the Bible—the Word You have given us, Mighty King—we realize no prayer or holy desire ever falls to the ground unfulfilled. And so it is here in Psalm 119—You have provided the way in which believers can be steadfast in keeping Your statutes—Jesus Christ—Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Ah, Living God, blessed be Your Name. Strengthen our faith in Jesus. By the power of the Spirit You have planted in our hearts, build us up in holy, dedicated living for Your Name and Honour. Amen.