Psalm 119:43
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules. Psalm 119:43
In this verse, the Psalmist appears to be peering back into God’s steadfast love, salvation, and promise (verse 41), while asking for more than just help from thoughts that taunt him (verse 42). He increases his request to include God’s “word of truth.”
And take not the word of truth… The Psalmist seems to be saying, “I have your steadfast love, salvation, and promise. I have an answer for those who taunt me. I am in desperate need of your on-going words of truth.”
…utterly out of my mouth… He increases his plea by saying he wants God’s words of truth in his mouth, on his lips, and ready on his heart.
…for my hope is in your rules. He concludes with the affirmation that “my hope is in your rules.” It is God’s rules that shape the Psalmist’s hope, which then shape his priorities, and ultimately, his life.
The Psalmist orders his speech to fit God’s word of truth and His rules. Aligning his speech reminds him to align his heart. Aligning his heart directly impacts what he desires, and then he has rightly ordered desires and priorities.
All of what we do is directly related to our desires, which translate to our priorities. Satan is very good at dis-ordering our priorities. Even believers can have their priorities, desires, and loves dis-ordered.
“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. – Revelation 2:2-4 ESV
How do we align our priorities with God and hold on tightly to our first love? By keeping God’s Word in our mouths and on our lips. By reminding ourselves of the truth that Jesus is enough, and Jesus is better. By placing ourselves in a humble posture before God and asking Him to reveal Himself to us through His Word. And by clinging tightly to God’s word of truth until it transforms our hearts and desires. Then we make God’s loves our loves, and we place our hope in Him.
God, make a way for us that we follow your will. Rightly order our steps so that we stay close to you. Keep us from going astray. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done.” Amen!
Application Questions:
Where am I putting other things in my life before God?
What are traits that God has giving me that reflect His nature? (example: loving, kind, generous, joyful, mindful, consistent, faithful, giving, merciful, patient, peaceful, etc.)
What are some areas that my life is inconsistent with God’s character?
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