This post’s Scripture passage reference: Psalm 119:160-165.
I have seen a number of references to summer camp from different areas recently. Even though it is the end of November right now, you have to be planning for summer camp, If you have been with me for a while, you know of my love for summer camp and the precious memories I have.
One of the most treasured gifts from summer camp that I received was the development of my love of God’s Word, His Law. There is nothing more precious.
In Psalm 119:160-161, the psalmist is praising the Word of the Lord for the Truth it contains. That truth was there in the very beginning. He is assured of the enduring power of all of God’s righteous judgements.
The psalmist has been oppressed without cause by those in leadership positions (such as princes, rulers, leaders, chiefs, chieftains, officials, or captains.) But he continues to stand in wonder with complete faith in God’s Word. He rejoices in that Word. He finds it as great as the greatest riches.
The psalmist, again in this chapter, as he has voiced previous times, commiserates to the Lord how he hates lies, and again reminded the Lord how much he loves His Law. He would take the time out multiple times a day to give praise to the Lord because he believed in the righteousness of His judgements.
He appreciated the immense peace and calmness that people could feel if they would just embrace God’s Law. If they would embrace it, they would have peace beyond earthly comprehension.
How could this passage challenge a modern day Christ follower? The psalmist had complete belief, faith, joy and peace in God’s Word and His judgements and His Law. He had faith to the point that he felt the peace of God even through his trials. I think the challenge for us could be to develop that kind of love for God’s Word, His judgements, His Law— similar to what the psalmist had.
How can we apply this to our lives? To develop the kind of love for God’s Laws and judgements the psalmist had we would need to be as deliberate about spending quality time in God’s Word and in prayer and relationship with Him as the psalmist did. Make a regular, daily, intimate relationship with God a priority in your life. Another thing we could do is to seek to cultivate God’s peace when we are going through difficult times. Clinging to God’s Law will give us strength to face each day.
What does this mean to my faith? I can feel my faith becoming stronger as I spend time in God’s Word and in relationship with Him. He fills me with faith through hard times, and He surrounds me with peace to get through the days. I know when I look toward God’s Law and try to shape my life around it, I am stronger in Him.
Lord, thank You for the guide that is Your Law. Thank You for loving us enough that You gave us a guide to help us navigate this strange land. Help me to continue finding time in my day to praise and worship You and to look toward Your Law as my rule book for life.,
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“160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. 161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. 162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. 163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. 164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. 165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:160-165 (KJV)
“Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” Proverbs 30:5 (KJV)
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:18 (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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Restricted Vision, Unburdened Sight 