Let Truth Take Hold
Psalm 119:41-48
Verses 43-44 Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.
We talked yesterday about praying for the answers we can give to those who taunt us and today we follow the psalmist as he goes deeper in his request.
The psalmist is straight forward when it comes to his request for what to say to the people who taunt him. He isn’t looking for things to say that will pacify them or keep them calm. He isn’t even asking for words to say that will make them like him and leave him alone. No, he prays for the bold option, words that will likely infuriate them and maybe even bring more taunting.
The psalmist’s pleading for wisdom isn’t just an empty request. He wasn’t asking that God bless him with the words without any effort on his own. This man of song knew that if was to gain wisdom from God it would come through the law. Yes, God can impress truth into our heart but He has given His law for this very purpose and it is for us to search and learn from.
The law helps us know more than just how to answer people who are harassing us. It also helps us to know how to get along with others in various instances. By following the commands of God we see the difference it will make in our relationships with others. We will see the very thing that the psalmist knew could happen. Truth makes a great standard to live by and if it is the standard of society there is an ability to get along better than when it is missing.
Truth is not a fluid subject. There is no such thing as variable truth. There is truth and there is untruth. When society forgets this, things start to crumble. Truth is the axis that keeps society turning peacefully. When we are holders and speakers of truth we stand with God and His law. But knowing it isn’t enough. The psalmist knew what we must remember, that knowing without acting upon it is just as bad as or worse than not knowing it. Oh that we could come to the place in our hearts that we join with the psalmist in his prayer to obey God’s law forever and ever. May this be true in our lives.
Making It Personal
How important is truth to you? Do you find yourself stretching the truth for your own benefit? Is the prayer of your heart to obey God in all things at all times?
Making It Personal Kids
What is truth? Is truth important? Do you want to obey Jesus all the time?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for showing us truth so clearly. Give us hearts that solely seek truth, Your truth. May we long to obey You every day for now and forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.