RESOLUTE RESOLVE –

The young pilgrim writing this psalm continues describing how each day he was tested and tried to see if he was truly committed to following God’s will, Teachings, instructions, guidelines, principles for living, commandments, declarations, words, regulations and promises. He learned early that a lot of well-meaning friends, as well as rude opponents, seemed to always know what was best for him whenever he was confronted with life’s tough decisions. But as far as he was concerned, their ideas and opinions had never been tested or proven, but he knew beyond any doubt that God’s will and ways for the believer’s life have been established as faultless again and again by generations dedicated to following God’s Word. So for him, it was a no-brainer: Go with God!

“O how I love Your Teachings; I think about them all day long. As a result, they’ve made me wiser than those who ridicule me; that’s why Your commandments will guide me forever. In fact, I have gained more insight than my teachers, because I keep going over Your instructions. Yes, by adhering to Your guidelines, I’ve been given more discernment than those much older than me. This has kept me from getting off-track, so I can stay in line with what Your advice. As such, I’ve been kept from going astray of Your directions, because of the way you have advised me. O how sweet are Your promises to my spiritual palate; yes, it is sweeter than pure honey on my taste buds! I’ve gained so much insight from studying Your guidelines, that it has turned me against false teaching and heresy.”

“For Your advice is like a lantern to my feet that illuminates the path I walk on. I took an oath, and I will stick to it; yes, I’ve dedicated myself to live by Your directions for right living. O LORD Eternal, it has cost me dearly; that’s why I need Your help to stay true to Your advice. So right now, O LORD Eternal, receive the praise I offer freely to You; and teach me how to remain faithful to Your directions. I face serious threats each and every day, yet I refuse to throw away with Your Teachings. I know there are traps set for me by those who want to see me fail, but I’m committed more than ever to stay in line with Your guidelines. That’s why I’m never turning back, because the joy in my heart comes from being obedient to Your instructions. Yes, I’ve decided from this day forward to live by Your principles for living no matter what happens.” Psalm 119:97-112

Reflection: A father passed by his son’s bedroom door and heard him inside laughing and saying sarcastically, “Yeah, sure! You’re so dumb! You think you’re really going to get away with this!” Intrigued, the father knocked and stuck his head inside the room and saw his son sitting in bed reading a book. “What’s going on?” the father asked. “Oh,” said the boy, “I’m reading this mystery novel about a guy who thinks he’s committed the perfect crime.” “But why are you poking fun at him?” the father inquired. “Because he thinks he’s going to get away with it,” the lad responded. “How do you know he’s not?” the father quizzed. The little boy smiled, then with a chuckle said, “Because I’ve read the end of the book!” Likewise, the psalmist responded to each encounter with those who wanted to see him fail for their benefit with the same faith and confidence. By faith he already knew the outcome: God will give His chosen the victory because of their faithfulness. Both the psalmist and this little boy illustrate the effect Wisdom has on a believing heart and mind, especially when trying to negotiate life’s maze and all its hidden turns and perils. Like the psalmist, we must decide once and for all whether or not to follow our own instincts, the myriad of opinions from those who think they know best, or the insights we gain from God’s Word. Just like making a slight adjustment in direction at a starting point can result in feet, yards, and even miles off line at the end point, likewise, small decisions early in life can have the same effect on your spiritual walk with God and where He wants you to be.