Driving for hours in heavy traffic came to mind when I read this Psalm. I can't move; my legs are stiff. My eyes are on the road but the lines start to hypnotize me. So I have to change my focus. I try and leave space in front of me, so I can stop safely, if need be. Someone darts in front of me, causing the traffic behind me to slow down even more. I gasp and try to slow down without an accident, wondering why some people are so selfish. I may even let out a word I'd rather not use. There's nothing like traffic to test my faith. My soul feels heavy, dusty. I am human. It's very clear at this moment.
It's times like these when the Bible is a place of peace and restoration. These verses describe how the Bible helps us. God's Word: revives us, teaches us, it gives us understanding, and strengthens us.
25 My soul clings to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.
26 I have declared my ways, and You answered me;
Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
28 My soul melts from heaviness;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
In these verses, the author is asking for his heart to be renewed. He has taken a breath, read God's Word and moves on from the troubles in the last verses.
29 Remove from me the way of lying,
And grant me Your law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
Your judgments I have laid before me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies;
O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I will run the course of Your commandments,
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
NKJV
It's times like these when the Bible is a place of peace and restoration. These verses describe how the Bible helps us. God's Word: revives us, teaches us, it gives us understanding, and strengthens us.
Psalms 119:25-32
25 My soul clings to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.
26 I have declared my ways, and You answered me;
Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
28 My soul melts from heaviness;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
In these verses, the author is asking for his heart to be renewed. He has taken a breath, read God's Word and moves on from the troubles in the last verses.
29 Remove from me the way of lying,
And grant me Your law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
Your judgments I have laid before me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies;
O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I will run the course of Your commandments,
I love this part. He shall "enlarge my heart." Each struggle we face when placed in God's hands, allows us to have more compassion for others, perseverance, character and hope.
For You shall enlarge my heart.
NKJV
NKJV
Here's how the Apostle Paul said it in the New Testament.
Rom 5:3-53 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
NKJV
This is beautiful. I need to read this every day. Thank you, Karen.
ReplyDeleteAwww thanks Clint! God bless you :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent and encompassing prayer Karen. May God enlarge our hearts every day.
ReplyDeleteYes. I like that! Good to see you back Colleen! Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDelete