‘God’s will, not ours’ is a common theme throughout Psalm 119. This is such a long Psalm so we will cover it over a few weeks. But today we will start with talking about God’s Will. The Psalm kicks off with:
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. (V1) NIV
Which is simply telling us that by walking the way of the Lord, according to His law and by not taking our own route we will not only be seen as blameless but blessed too, wow! Thank you Lord! By seeking Him with our whole heart, looking for Him and to Him and keeping His laws, being as blameless as we can be we will walk in His will, not ours. (v2-3)
In the Psalm, Beth asks;
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? (v9)
This question is answered for us. We can stay on the path of purity by living according to God’s word. This can be
- Seeking God (v10)
- Learning His laws (v12)
- Rejoice (v14)
- Meditate v15)
- Delight in His laws (v16)
My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. (v20)
If we are longing for God we need to be longing for and obeying His laws too. That is part of the word of God. We need to make a choice and say to Him “Your will, not mine” and that includes living by His laws. When we confess and turn from any way of being that doesn’t align with God’s word and law He will answer our prayers (v26) but remembering; only according to His will, not ours. His may respond to us with “yes”, “no” or “wait.”
His will, His timing.
We may have times when we feel weary or sad, we are human! But Through the Word of God, we can experience and know His strength (v28).
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. (v30-32)
I have chosen! It’s up to each of us to make a choice. Are we choosing to remain faithful?
I hold fast! Sticking to God’s laws, so we don’t have to live in shame; Jesus’s death has freed us from that shame!
I run in the path! Again, a choice, which path are we taking? Is it the one that follows His commands?
The good thing is, we are not making these changes alone! The Lord will help us each step of the way.
We can ask Him to:
- Teach us (33)
- Help us to understand (v34)
- Direct us (v35)
- Turn our heart towards Him (v36)
- Turn our eyes away from anything thats not worth our attention (v37)
- Fulfill His promise- though He will deliver on this anyway! (v38)
- Take away any disgrace we may have in us (v39)
- Preserve our lives! (v40)
We need to be praying these points over our lives and He will help us.
Waw declares some “I will” statements. We can take this example and do the same. Read the following and repeat them. By doing so you can be reminded of how we need to be.
I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.
I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame (v44-46)
He finishes his bit by say He will meditate on God’s decrees. We hear this again and again. Mediation on God’s word and law is important. If you’re not sure how, check out How to Practice Biblical Mediation.
Zayin, tells us about His suffering. Something we have all experienced in our lives. But His example shows how during that suffering He is in fact comforted. That comfort is down to God’s promise and laws (v50 &52).
And you can comforted too!
He says;
Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. (v54-56)
Demonstrating how we can also be. The theme of our song, how we live, should be by God’s laws and by remembering Him. Even in those times of suffering.
Heth carries on with this theme. Beginning with “I have promised to obey your words” (v57). Following with two “I have’s”, two “I will’s”, one “I rise” and one “I am.”
I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. (v58- 63)
Another great example to us and how we can also live. Again, it’s our choice.
We hear at the end of Heth, again a prayer “O Lord, teach me your ways.” Again, we can ask God to teach us.
The same theme goes through Teth. He says “Teach me” to the Lord twice (v66 & 68)! He also knows God is good, despite his suffering. He even says;
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. (v71)
We too can learn from our disappointments, sadness, trials and mistakes. Yodh even says that even when we are faithful we may also experience affliction (v75).
You and I know this well!
But, again, God’s unfailing love can be and is our comfort (v76) Again, this part ends in a prayer to God “May my heart be blameless…” (v80).
Then we have Kaph. This person is longing for God’s salvation, despite having hope in God’s word (v81). He says;
My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” (v82)
How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? (v84)
Help me (v86)
Can you relate to this?
Do you ask similar questions to the Lord?
Do you say to Him “Your will, not mine’?
Do you struggle with life’s stresses & strains?
Are you feeling alone right now?
Or concerned that you don’t have a purpose?
Then join this FREE challenge. Registration still open for access to replays.
Register HERE.
Don’t forget; it’s our choice: will it be God’s will, or our own?
English
One thought on “Psalm 119 -Pt 1: God’s Will, Not Ours”