SCRIPTURE
How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the law of the Lord! Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they follow His ways. You have commanded that Your precepts be diligently kept. If only my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed when I think about all Your commands. (Psalm 119:1-6)
OBSERVATION
The psalmist describes those who live according to God's word. Their way is blameless. They are happy. They do nothing wrong. He describes a life that is lived according to God's will. It's really not an option. God commands that his laws be diligently kept.
Upon introspection, however, the psalmist admits that his ways are not committed to keeping God's statutes. His heart wanders and he does not live according to God's law. When he thinks about God's commands and where he falls short he is ashamed.
APPLICATION
I love the honesty of the psalmist. I can relate to his struggle. I want to live according to the law of God and I am ashamed when I think about the ways I fall short. Fortunately, he provides a couple of practical ways to live. First, seek God with all my heart. Instead of seeking what I want, seek to know God's word and his desire for my life. Second, I need to make a commitment to keep God's laws. The disconnect with the psalmist, and myself I'm afraid, is the "if only." "If only my ways were committed to keeping Your statues." It's about aligning my ways with God's ways. I need to commit to keeping God's statutes. Then, even when I don't feel like obeying, the commitment will help see me through. God's word is a spiritual mirror. It is provides the reflection for my spiritual life. It helps me see clearly how I need to groom my walk with God.
PRAYER
Lord, I want to be one of those who are happy because I consistently keep your decrees. Thank you for your word that instructs and guides my life.
