Purified by His word

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:9-12

Godly conduct is directly related to following God’s directions through His word (v. 9). The admonition given by the Psalmist is that people must seek with total devotion God’s directions found in His word (v. 10). He prayed that God will help him not to wander from His word but instead have a continued desire to internalize God’s word. He was resolved that by not wandering from His word, he will be transformed (v. 11). The use of the word “heart” in vv. 10, 11 emphasizes the psalmist’s passion for God and the depth of his commitment to interact with God through His word. He prayed that God will teach him His decrees and in this way he will become more aware of God’s desire for his life. Despite the knowledge he already had he still sought God’s directions and he believed that God has more to teach him. He was devoted to God and His word that he will recite His word aloud and considered having God’s word in his heart as his wealth (vv. 13-14). He prayed to God to help him organize his life in such a way that he will not neglect meditating upon His word (vv. 15-16). This is also what prompted the apostle Paul to not be contented with where he was in his spiritual life. His goal is to continue to grow knowing God. “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead” (Philippians 3:10). This is also what motivated the apostle John to pursue godly living and to stay in the path God set for His children. “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Gaining wisdom comes from a hunger to seek out God’s direction found in His word. We just do not sit comfortably and to clear our mind allowing ourselves be convinced by a powerful voice claiming to teach the truth. There should be a delight to know the statutes of the Word and the willingness to apply them in our daily living. Just like what the Psalmist has done ask God to help you seek Him through His word. Pray that He will help you be refreshed in your hearts by His word so you will not wander away from His will.

Blessings,

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