Scripture: 119:113-120

Samekh

I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!

Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.

Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.

You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain.

All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes.

My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

Observation:

A couple of very interesting points on these verses on the rightnow media video. “biblical knowledge without right relationship is empty, vain, and leads to beating others over the head, rather than lovingly and compassionately engaging other with words of life”.  and “in the word I find you”.  Wow, so simple but so profound. The author is saying that God is his shield and his refuge. He has put his hope in the word because in there is where he finds God. Earnestly studying the word, asking for understanding, keeping His commands, this is how we move from having knowledge in our head to a relationship in our heart. It’s more than just reading. It’s more than just praying. It’s more than keeping the laws. It’s all of them together, and more.

Application:

Time to take an honest evaluation of my relationship with God. Is my prayer life where I want it? Do I study enough? Am I keeping all His laws?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for being my refuge and my shield. I do put my hope in your Word. God, help me each day to find you whether I am reading or in prayer. Lord help me not to be a double minded person, but one that does tremble in awe of You. May I always treat people with compassion and love, and give me Words of life to speak into others. Thank you in the name of Jesus, amen.