LEARNING DAILY

Psalm 119:33-40, Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways. Confirm to Your servant Your promise, that You may be feared. Turn away the reproach that I dread, for Your rules are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; in Your righteousness give me life!

Charles Bridges has written, “The outward revelation is of no avail without inward teaching.” (From the teaching of Psalm 119 by DC Adkisson). My friend, DC, went on to note that the teaching in God’s Word “will last until the end of life, but first we must have understanding and be committed to doing what God says. The teaching has practical influence.  This takes perseverance in God’s school of spiritual learning; He wants Believers to understand and the ability to do what he/she understands.”

This part of Psalm 119 is the psalmist fervent desire for every Believer to want God’s guidance, to be taught His Word so he/she understands it, and to be committed to walking the narrow way each day. It is about prayer that is more than just asking God for things; it is more of a deep conversation with God to know and understand His Word and to be obedient to it. To be obedient to God’s Word, there must be a great desire to align one’s thoughts, actions, and beliefs with what God has said about what is righteous and just.

This type of obedience goes beyond human understanding because our intellect is so limited when trying to understand the complexities of this world Believers live in. It really is necessary to involve the Holy Spirit when making decisions that are right according to God’s will. When praying for guidance with obedience in mind, Believers are saying that they are willing to submit to a higher authority and to live life that glorifies and honors God.

This is not only about the importance of reading/studying/meditating (for understanding and application) on God’s Word. It is about the importance of prayer to shape the Believer’s beliefs and actions. It develops the proper motivation for being obedient as understanding God’s Word occurs. Matthew 5:6 states, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Are you diligently seeking God’s righteousness through His word and through prayer? It is truly the only way to walk the narrow way. Walking the narrow way each day as God desires is through continuous seeking, learning, and practicing what God teaches in His Word. It is the only way to grow deeper in your walk with Him. Embrace His Word and let His wisdom change your life for His purpose and His righteousness.