Context: Psalm 119: 1-176
Focus: Psalm 119: 1-8
“I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!” Psalm 119:8 NLT
(my emphasis)
Those who follow the instructions of the Lord are blessed with the joy of His presence. Those who seek Him with all their hearts will find Him. They do not compromise with evil but walk His path of righteousness. You commanded us to keep Your law and our desire should be to do so carefully and consistently. Then I will not be ashamed as I compare my life with your commands and learn your righteous regulations. My thanksgiving will manifest itself by living as I should. I will obey your decrees. Please, don’t give up on me.
There is a joy in doing the will of God and in all He leads us to do by the promptings of His Holy Spirit. It is through His grace we are able to walk in His ways.
Sometimes, it is hard and we ask the Lord to not give up on us because there are times we miss the mark in obedience. (Romans 7: 21-25)
I don’t know how many times I have prayed, “Lord don’t give up on me” as I earnestly try to do His will. I’ve even asked, “Please, Lord, let me end well”. I have not lived as well as I should as I reflect on my life in old age. But recently, I have been reminded to look at the lives and examples given in scriptures concerning the Patriarchs, Prophets, Disciples, Apostles, to recognize they were also weak and leaned heavily upon His grace.
(Philippians 1:6, 2 Timothy 2:13, Psalm 71:18)
As I need to pursue holiness, I am also kept in righteousness by my faith and not by my deeds. My righteousness is not a result of my deeds, but comes through my belief in Christ’s righteousness, who bore every sin on the TREE. (Ephesians 2: 8-9)
Lord, thank you that it is through your salvation and faithfulness we are saved, and your promise is to complete the work of righteousness in us until the day of your redemption.
CR – Psalm 38:21, Psalm 71:9, Psalm 71:18 , Psalm 138:8, Psalm 51: 11, Romans 7: 21-25, Philippians 1:6, Matthew 22: 37-40, Ephesians 2: 8-9, 2 Timothy 2:13
Learn How to Abide in His Word and Love – “His Abide”
