DON’T BE AFRAID TO COMMIT –

After a short pause and quick rest, the young pilgrim writing this psalm now looks toward his goal and his continued walk with God. He has already settled everything in his heart as it relates to what it might cost him in terms of friends or suffering. Now he reckons the cost of completing God’s will and purpose for his life, and quickly commits himself to pay any price in order to stay loyal to his God and King. Up until now he has let his actions speak louder than words, but now he’s prepared to put his testimony on the line, regardless of what others might think about his faith. He wants his detractors to know that he will stand firm through all the trials and tribulations meant to deter him and cause him to give up.

“Your instructions are more than wonderful; that’s why I follow them so closely. Your eye-opening advice brings great insight; they can quickly open a closed mind. I get very excited about seriously studying the commandments You’ve given. So look on me with eyes full of blessings, because You are known for issuing favorable directives to those who love You for who You are. Map out my journey in keeping with the advice You’ve given me; don’t let me get sidetracked with things that do not please You. Bring me through all the put-downs and ridicule I’m getting, and I will dedicate my live to living by Your guidelines. As Your servant, give me Your smile of approval, and help me learn Your principles for living. It brings tears to my eyes that flow like a river, when I see others who pay no attention to Your Teachings.”

“You are so unbiased, O LORD Eternal; as are You’re directions on ethical living. You have issued instructions on how to live right and be reliable in every way. Sometimes I feel like I’m trying too hard, because those who disrespect me have completely dismissed Your advice. Your advice is so pure and refined; as Your servant I cherish it deeply. I may be a nobody to others, but that has not kept me from being dedicated to Your guidelines for living. Your idea of right living is meant to last forever, and Your Teachings are built on truth. My road has become rough and rocky, but obeying Your commandments still brings me great delight. You’re instructions will always be right, so give me a better grasp of them so I can go all the way.” Psalm 119:129-144

Reflection: During World War II, England came under the greatest bombardment in its history. German dictator Adolph Hitler, attacked this island nation with a huge inventory of Nazi V1 and V2 rockets. To encourage his people, Prime Minister Winston Churchill stood up on Tuesday, June 4, 1940, and delivered these inspiring words to members of the House of Commons. “We shall not flag nor fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength…we shall fight on beaches, landing grounds, in fields, in streets, and on the hills. We shall never surrender!” Although our young psalmist did not face as severe a situation as the British, nevertheless he felt the same need to dedicate himself to fight until the bitter end. Like Winston Churchill, he expressed the same resolve to continue and never entertain for a second the idea, or listen to any suggestion, of giving in or giving up. Like the great English statesman, our psalmist knew that victory only came by striving for survival. He was determined not to allow anything to stop him short of triumph. With the war against everything honest, moral, ethical and Godly growing stronger each day, let us ask ourselves if we are ready to rise up and follow the example of these two heroes; of standing tall and staying committed to everything we know to be true, no matter the consequences, and no matter what it may require or cost us.