1. Turn my eyes – The
psalmist speaks of the eyes (v. 37). His eyes see things that can be desired
both good and evil. There are many things that would desire to take his time
and attention and yet, he needs to direct his eyes and ultimately his thoughts
to those things that are worthwhile. Covetousness is just another expression of
the selfishness that is lurking inside of us. Instead of an attitude that
treasures God first and then seeks to serve others, often the eyes seek for
selfish things, attention, wealth, prestige, power, etc. Chasing these things
is like chasing things that have no substance (mirages, rainbows) and instead
results in the emptiness that comes with chasing things that are of no value. Turning
our eyes is similar to an infection that we don’t want to have spread. Each
time I’m visiting in the hospital, they have hand-disinfecting stations around
the hospital and warnings and messages about using them to keep disease from
spreading. If we are not cleansing ourselves from the “infection” of our eyes,
it can spread to our heart and mind. This infection goes by many names but for
today, let’s just call it covetousness. Ultimately it is an expression to God
of our dissatisfaction with how He is meeting our needs or how He has made us.
2. Reassure me - The
psalmist is asking for God’s word and his promises to be kept and brought to
his mind (v. 38). The psalmist wants to fear and be in awe of God but desires
to be reassured. Everyone needs reassurance from time to time. Even with our
families, we express our love on a frequent basis. Very few of us practice the
attitude of, “I told you once that I loved you and if that ever changes, I’ll
let you know.” We need to be reminded and that reminder serves to bring hope
and comfort to our lives. Is it any different with our God? We want to be
reminded of His care for us. Our hearts desire to see His promises fulfilled. Every
time a promise is carried out, our fickle and insecure hearts are reassured. Our
doubts are calmed for at least a little while.
3. Turn away the reproach –
the psalmist is not being motivated by a selfish ambition to avoid
embarrassment. He does not want to do that which would cause God’s name to
suffer. There are those around David who are trying to destroy him. Consider
Psalm 119:21-23. You rebuke the insolent,
accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.Take away from me scorn and
contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. Even though princes sit plotting
against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes (ESV). The psalmist commits his
reputation to the Lord.
4. Give me life in your
righteousness – the psalmist shows his desire for God’s word and asks for God’s
help in following his righteousness. All of us need God’s help each day as we
seek to follow Him. We need God’s help to face the challenges of right now.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sent
out to all who attend Grace Bible Church
by Pastor Ted Bigelow, Pastor of Preaching and Development and Pastor Steve
Ridge, Executive Pastor.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I welcome your comments. However, since this is a blog rather than an open forum, I will determine what is and what is not posted. All comments, especially anonymous comments, will be scrutinized carefully. I will not post comments that contain profanity or are negative toward the Scriptures, God, Christianity in general, Christian schools, or the United States of America. I also will not post comments that are nothing more than generally uninformed or absurd opinions. In addition, I will not post comments that are totally irrelevant to the subject being discussed. Finally, I will not post comments that are commercial advertisements or advertisements for religious organizations which are in conflict with my biblical convictions.