Seeing with Clarity the Testimonies of God

This blog’s Scripture  passage reference: Psalm 119:121-125 

There has been a song playing recently on my favorite Christian  radio station.  It is very lyrical and easy to listen to, a beautiful song. But I have to admit that I did not really understand what the singer was saying in the chorus for a long time. To me, it sounded like they were saying, “with smoke and ashes.” Well, with the words that I could understand, that just didn’t make any sense to me, but none-the-less, here I was singing, “with smoke and ashes,” every time I sang along with the song. It took a number of weeks of listening to that song to figure out what they were actually saying was, “my father has it.” Clarity can make a big difference. 

It reminded me of when my oldest niece was three. There was a country song that she would catch just a few words of.  She would say, “dust on the Bible.”  The actual lyrics were “dust on the bottle.”  Well, at three years old she didn’t know anything about any dust on the bottle… but by that time she did know about Bibles.  Yes, clarity can make a big difference. 

In this next passage, Psalm 119:121-125, the psalmist was seeking a little clarity of his own. In the previous verse the psalmist had just told the Lord that he was in reverence of Him and was in awe of His judgements. 

In this passage, the psalmist begins by telling the Lord that he has tried to do the right things. He implores the Lord to not leave him with those that are tormenting him. He appeals for the Lord to follow through on the promise of caring for him, and to not let arrogant people get the best of him. 

He declares that his eyes are getting weaker and weaker from continuously searching the Law for the Lord’s righteousness. His desire was that the Lord would show up and very clearly show Him how He loves him.  He deeply yearned to learn His statutes.

As the psalmist professes to live as a servant of the Lord, he, again, asks for understanding so that he will better know the testimonies of the Lord. Even through difficulties, it seems that he wanted to see clearly and he wanted to know in detail the ways of the Lord more fully. He wanted clarity. 

The challenges from this passage for those of us that are following Christ could be to keep our eyes on the promises of God as we attempt to maintain purity and integrity, even as we face resistance. Also, making time to learn how to search God’s Word to discover the promises is challenging at times. Finally, being patient as we endeavor to search for clarity within God’s Word is a challenge well worth tackling. 

How can we apply this to our lives? By keeping our spiritual  eyes on God and His promises, we are less likely to be distracted by the things of the world. We should be consistent in our walk all the time and not allow ourselves to get into trouble before we turn to His Word, before we turn to Him. We should pray for wisdom to comprehend and gain clarity into His Word. 

What does this mean to my faith? My faith is strengthened when I see that not only do I have a Lord, I have a friend—One that I can go to and expect Him to act on my behalf…because of our friendship.  He will not fail me. I have confidence that even though my eyesight is restricted, my Lord’s eyes will never weaken and He will always have His eyes clearly focused on me. 

Lord, daily life can become overwhelming as I walk this path You have me on.  There are times when I am stressed and anxious. I need Your grace to get me through—all the time. I pray that You will allow my spiritual vision to continue to develop. As the psalmist yearned, so do I, to be Your servant and to gain understanding, that I may have clarity into Your testimonies more and more.

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“121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. 125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.”  Psalm 119:121-125 (KJV)

“I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.”  Psalm 69:3 (KJV)

“O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.”  Psalm 79:8 (KJV)

“Blessed [art] thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. 26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.” Psalm 119:12,26 (KJV)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5 (KJV)

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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about my Jesus.  

What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe?  Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him?  You can know Him.  Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity.  You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.  

Here is an excellent website that can give you additional information about making your decision for Jesus Christ!  PeaceWithGod.net

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