Psalm 119:40
Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life. Psalm 119:40
In making this bold statement to God, the Psalmist is giving us a wonderful scene to ponder.
“Behold…” He is saying, “Look at me! Hey God, I am right here, and I need you to look at me!”
“…I long for your precepts…” The Psalmist is very direct in his comments back to God. He is saying, “I know what I need and long for. And I know that you have what I need!”
“…in your righteousness give me life.” With that, he tells God “The why” for his boldness. It is because God’s righteousness produces life, life to the fullest.
Again, this verse teaches the reader how to rightly relate and talk with God. It also serves as a reminder of where a righteous life and wisdom can be found.
…the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18 ESV
Every day I am bombarded with distraction, half-truths, and all out deception. And that is just from inside my own heart. Each morning I ask God to hide my life in Jesus. Each night, I go to bed thankful for all that God placed in my path. With every new day, my Father is perfectly working things out for my good and my growth. That does not mean it is easy, it just means that it is for my good.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 ESV
I have learned that much of what I have labeled as “trials” in my life have been the very thing that God has used to change me for the better. Amidst the pain of the trial, I am much more receptive to change than I am during times of comfort. When things are painful, I am motivated to change. When I am comfortable, I want to keep things just as they are.
What I need more than anything is for God to reveal more of His righteous precepts to me so that I can begin to move toward a life found in Him. If you feel that you need more understanding about how God does this in the believer’s life, please consider reaching out to someone on the Burke Care team to start those conversations. We would love to hear your story and learn where you see God moving.
God, I want to see You moving in my life. I am frightened by the idea of You changing me but I long to experience Your righteousness in my life. Come and invade my heart. Claim me as Yours. Make me find rest in You and You alone. Amen!
Application Questions:
Where do I find myself feeling defeated by the trials of this life?
What would be the cost to consider God invading your life to His glory and your good?
Where do you find fake, artificial things that leave you hungry and thirsty? How can God become the one who satisfies the desires of your heart?
Schedule Care Today | Info@burkecare.org | 512.522.2580 | Subscribe
