This post’s Scripture passage reference: Psalm 119:172-176
When we first moved to Tennessee as a family of six, it was a whole new world. Even though the area we moved to is considered small, it is much, much bigger than either of the places we had lived before. We felt like we were coming to the big city. Little did we know how the Light of Christ would shine onto and through our little family.
We moved into a house right beside the Middle School. My two younger brothers were in middle school. Our house became the hangout for many kids…many that we didn’t even know about until years later. There were kids in and out all the time. We never locked our doors, and we never missed a thing.
I have run into so many people in the past year that told me they were one of the kids that used to hang out in our gym/ping pong table room/hangout spot/laundry room/storm shelter/cellar/basement during those early years, and they were so appreciative of that space. It wasn’t fancy. It was just there. It was a safe place for kids to hang out. I like to think it was a light to some of those kids that needed it.
This final passage in Psalm 119 (119:172-176) sort of sums up the whole chapter. It is about God’s Word, His commandments and His precepts. Even though Christ is not mentioned by name, it all points to the light He would bring us.
Beginning with Psalm 119:172, the psalmist recounted the Word of the Lord and said that he would continue to do so because all the commandments of the Lord are righteous. He pleaded with the Lord for His hand to help him. He recalled that he had chosen to follow the precepts of the Lord.
The psalmist longed for the salvation of the Lord. He made known his utter joy in His Law. His desire of the Lord was that He would let him live so he could praise Him. He knew that the Lord’s judgements would help him.
He confessed that he had gone astray the same as a sheep that is lost from the shepherd. He craved that the Lord would continue to seek him, as he was His willing servant. He did not intend to forget His commandments.
The challenge for us, as Christ followers, walking through each day is to be able to deliberately seek closeness with God and desire knowledge from His Word and to pursue the strength to follow His precepts…to live our lives to the fullest as Christ would prescribe it, to have our lives reflect the light of Christ. Those are all challenges in our world today.
How can we apply this to our lives? Speak of, delight in, praise over God’s Word, His commandments, His precepts, His Law and His judgments. Always long for God’s final and ultimate salvation, and pray for Him to continually watch over you until that time. Depend on Him and continue to mold your life after the life of Christ to reflect His light.
What does this mean to my faith? My faith is strengthen when I understand that God gave me complete instructions to make it through this journey of life. He showed me over and over (in this chapter alone,) how important it is to seek Him through His Word and through prayer. I am thankful that, although I will never be exactly like Christ as I walk this pathway, God sees when I try and He honors my efforts with blessings.
Lord, this study of Psalm 119 has been challenging at times. It split one of the hardest times of my life. I will always remember it as being what got me through that early sorrow and helped me keep going. I thank You that no matter how long or short a timespan I study, You will always teach me something if I am truly seeking…even if just one verse or one prayer. Thank You, and please touch the life of someone with the words I have written, let them find in their lives the light of Christ.
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“172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. 173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.” Psalm 119:172-176 (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 