God's Help

O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees. Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right. Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments. O Lord, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands. Psalm 119: 169-176 NLT

What happens when you fail to follow God’s law? 

For the psalmist in Psalm 119, learning God’s commandments, meditating on them, following them, praising God for God’s law, and loving God’s decrees is not enough. There is one thing missing. And that is God.

The psalmist cannot be as obedient without God’s help.

You see, the psalmist has again and again declared how well they have followed God and learned God’s laws. Yet, there is still something missing. The psalmist is asking for discernment, ability to praise, rescue, and life. These are things that Christians know that can come through the gift of the Holy Spirit. I think that is what the psalmist needs. 

Where have you tried to be the best follower of Christ and find yourself still needing assistance? You cannot do it alone. You need more than just will power and discipline. You must also have the Spirit.

God, I cannot follow you without your help. With the Holy Spirit, let praise flow from my lips and let my tongue sing about your word! Let me live so that I can praise you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

You know everything I do

Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word. I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure. I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your instructions. I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just. Those who love your regulations have great peace and do not stumble. I long for your rescue, Lord, so I have obeyed your commands. I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much. Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do. Psalm 119: 161-168 NLT

These verses sound perfect for an election year, especially this one! 

Even though powerful people are harassing you or even one another, you should only be afraid of God’s word. God’s word has lasting power that is deeper than any political party or cause. Although falsehood comes easily from the lips of those who want you vote, God’s instructions only contain truth and are to be loved. In fact, when you discover God’s word it is like finding a great treasure. 

The psalmist wants to praise God seven times a day because all of God’s laws are just. I don’t know a single law that I would want to even think about seven times a day! In any case, seven is a perfect number so it isn’t that you must praise God that many times but that your praise must be done with perfection. Also, that doesn’t mean without mistakes as much as it means with all you are. Don’t hold anything back from praising God who has given us these wonderful commands! God knows when you obey and when you praise. 

God, I want that great peace and a firm foothold. You know everything I do and where I have fallen short. Rescue me from myself and my indiscretions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

How Great is Your Mercy

Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions. Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised. The wicked are far from rescue, for they do not bother with your decrees. Lord, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations. Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your laws. Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, because they care nothing for your word. See how I love your commandments, Lord. Give back my life because of your unfailing love. The very essence of your words is truth; all your regulations will stand forever. Psalm 119: 153-160 NLT

Save me because I have followed your word.

The psalmist is in trouble. It sounds as if those who do not follow God are attacking. Would these be non-believers or believers in name only? We know that they don’t bother with [God’s] decrees. However, the psalmist later calls them traitors so I would imagine they are faithful in name only. In fact, just seeing these people makes the psalmist sick to his stomach. 

In comparison, the psalmist wants God to note that he cares for God’s word. The psalmist loves the Lord’s commands. He finds the root of truth in God’s word. All of God’s laws will last forever is what the psalmist realizes. He wants God to see how much he loves God by looking at how well he has followed God’s law.

Would God be able to look at your life and see how much you love God? 

Can you see in your life where you have loved God with all your heart, you mind, your strength and your neighbor as yourself? 

What would have to change to make both of those true in your own life?

God, how great is your mercy. May I not only be revived but refreshed and renewed in my love for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Praying with all my heart

I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord! I will obey your decrees. I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws. I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise. In your faithful love, O Lord, hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations. Lawless people are coming to attack me; they live far from your instructions. But you are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true. I have known from my earliest days that your laws will last forever. Psalm 119: 145-152 NLT

Prayer is important to the write of Psalm 119. In these verses, he cries out to God with all his heart. He cries out for rescue so that he will be able to obey all of God’s laws. From the moment he awakes, he is petitioning for help. In fact, he is up before the sun in order to place his hope in God’s words and pray for help. He often is up throughout the night, lying in his bed and thinking about all of God’s promises. 

The psalmist is in desperate need for God’s help. He asks that God hear him through the love God has for him. He wants to be revived through God’s word. Others who physically and metaphorically far from God are trying to attack him. But even in his distress, he knows that God is near because God’s commandments and instructions are not far from him and they speak truth to his life. He has known since he was small that God’s laws will last forever.

How important is prayer to your life? Does it keep you up all night? Do you regularly awake before dawn to lift your petitions in prayer? Do you ever pray God’s word? Do you have more hope in prayer or God’s word? 

God, I pray with all my heart. I cry out to you. You are near, God, and your word is true. I give you thanks and praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Joy in your Commands

O Lord, you are righteous, and your regulations are fair. Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy. I am overwhelmed with indignation, for my enemies have disregarded your words. Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much. I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments. Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true. As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live. Psalm 119: 137-144 NLT

As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.

Would you consider yourself under a lot of pressure lately? Is stress -- positive or negative -- your only true companion? 

I would say yes to both questions in my own life. In fact, I recently took an on-line survey for my health benefits that said the one factor that I need to learn to handle in a better manner is stress. Forget smoking or eating incorrectly -- I need to cut out stress or learn how to relax! And boy do I! Some nights I just can’t seem to wind down because I always have one more chore to do. 

The psalmist recommends handling stress by finding joy in God’s commands.

For me, this means taking time to read scripture. I have a hard time doing that because I am always reading for work. In my life, scripture is not for reading or learning as much as it is for bible study, sermons, devotionals or future retreats. What the psalmist seems to be saying to me is that I need quiet scripture time in order to find my joy in God’s word. This also means taking it slow -- not reading for a goal but to simply immerse myself in God’s word.

God, as pressure and stress bear down on me, help me to find joy in your commands. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Law of Emotions

Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teachings of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. I pant with expectation, longing for your commands. Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name. Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments. Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees. Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions. Psalm 119: 129-136 NLT

These verses are full of compassion and feeling. The psalmist uses words like wonder, panting, longing, mercy, love, and tears. This sounds kind of funny when you are talking about God’s law. Shouldn’t this be an emotionless subject? 

When I even hear the word law I think about courtrooms, tight security and uptight people in suits and robes. Law is a cold word to me. 

But is not God’s law all about love? That is certainly an emotion! God’s law is also something deeply desired and it hurts when others reject it. When one is being oppressed by evil, it is harder to follow God’s law. Emotion, emotion, emotion. God’s law or word is of the heart so it is of our feelings not just our heads. 

God, come and show me your mercy, guide my steps and look upon me with love. Thank you for being in my life and in my heart.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

I hate every false way

Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies, for I have done what is just and right. Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don’t let the arrogant oppress me! My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled. I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your decrees. Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. Lord, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions. Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold. Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way. Psalm 121-128 NLT

These verses sound the most desperate so far in this psalm. The psalmist seems to feel abandoned. There does not seem to be any hope for him. He strains to see God’s rescue, God’s truth and promises fulfilled, but it seems to be impossible. He keeps speaking of himself as God’s servant, a very humbling position that has no authority or control. He asks not only for rescue but also for blessing, discernment and God’s unfailing love. Even in declaring the greatness of God’s laws, he only hates the false way rather than following God’s commandments. 

Has there been a time in your life when you only wanted to rescue? When you needed God to save you but you couldn’t find it in you to praise God or lift up how well you had been following God? Have you ever felt like a servant of God -- helpless, no control, powerless and at God’s mercy? Did you like being in that position? What blessing do you need right now from God? What discernment do you need?

Take some time to turn these into a prayer asking God for what you need and praising God for what God has already done in your life. 

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Tempting

I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God. Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws! I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations. Psalm 119: 113-120 NLT

Take some time right now to think about all the people in your life who even have the possibility to lead you astray. You know, the ones who can tempt you to things that may not be illegal or immoral but are not things God wants you to do. I have this eighth grade memory that I was sitting at a desk or table trying to study or do what the teacher wanted us to be doing. Then I clearly remember my two best friends dancing around in back of my chair, encouraging me to ditch studying and do something fun with them. It wasn’t bad but it also wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing. Okay, I admit I did ditch the studying for the fun. 

But how about today, who would get me to leave the path God has for me -- even it it seems harmless -- and do something else? 

And who would get you to do the same? 

Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God! Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

A Lamp and a Light

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again; I will obey your righteous regulations. I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised. Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach  me your regulations. My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments. Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end. Psalm 119: 105-112 NLT

Although I am quite familiar with the first verse of this section of Psalm 119, the remainder is not so familiar. Amy Grant sang the first verse in one of her first recordings. Michael W. Smith wrote the song. You can listen to it here.. I don’t hear the remainder of the verses in the song. 

The psalmist speaks of being in trouble (again) and asking for God’s rescue. Yet, even in the midst of danger, the psalmist promises that he won’t turn from God. He is determined to keep God’s decrees until the very end -- no matter what happens. 

Are you so convicted in Jesus Christ that you can promise to keep true to him to the very end -- no matter what happens? What if you were under torture? Or if someone you loved was under threat of being killed depending on what you said? Could you keep true to Jesus regardless? I don’t believe many of us will have that happen to us yet we are as easily mislead from God in the simplest life circumstances. 

Are you determined to keep God’s laws until the very end? 

God, may your word be a light to our path and a lamp to our feet no matter where we travel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

The Big Head

Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Psalm 119: 97-104 NLT

These verse remind me of Jesus as a boy in the temple. I can imagine him living these out -- being wiser and having more insight than his enemies and teachers!

However, I don’t think anyone else could do such boasting. 

Is the psalmist getting “the big head?”

Sure, it is good that he is thinking about God’s instructions all day long, using them as his constant guide. It is good that he has refused to walk any evil path or turned away from God’s regulations. It is fabulous that he hates any false way of life.

But I don’t think there is too much room for boasting. Shouldn’t following God be its own reward, without bragging about it? 

Yet, how many times do you and I feel better and more superior when we are reading these devotionals or spending time in prayer? Do we feel like we are wiser or have more insight than others? Even when other people see us as deeply spiritual, we need to be careful to not think of ourselves as better. 

God, protect me from being a boastful and prideful Christian. Give me the gift of humility in all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Perfection has its limits

Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. I am yours; rescue me! For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments. Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws. Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit. Psalm 119: 89-96 NLT

The psalmist of 119 is convicted that God is eternal and everlasting.

God’s word stands firm in heaven.

God’s faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as all of creation.

God’s regulations are no less true today than when they were recorded.

God’s instructions are the only thing that can sustain our joy. 

God’s commandments have the power of life. 

Even when perfection has limits, God’s commands have no limit.

But how firm am I standing on God’s word and God’s commandments? I seem to flit to them and away, not seeing their endurance while my life flashes before me. Can I quietly keep my mind on God’s laws while the wicked hide along my way to kill me? I think I would be panicked instead. 

God, help us to work hard at keeping your commandments and remembering how firm and limitless your word is. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

When will you comfort me?

I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees. How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me? These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me. All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause. They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments. In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws. Psalm 119: 81-88 NLT

How do you follow God when everything and everyone around you is either trying to hurt you or lead you astray? 

In this part of Psalm 119, the psalmist seems to be focused on the attacks rather than on God. 

He is worn out waiting for rescue, straining to see God’s promises fulfilled.

He is withered like a wineskin in smoke.

He is still waiting.

Arrogant people have dug deep traps for him. They are hunting him without cause. They are about to finish him off.

Yet, he has not give up hope. He asks when God will comfort him, when God will punish his persecutors. He still claims all God’s commands are trustworthy. He asks that God spare his life so that he can continue to obey God’s laws. 

He follows God even the face of death and persecution.

God, I will not give hope in you, no matter what others try to do to me. My hope is you, my God and my redeemer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Discipline

You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgement and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. Psalm 119: 65-72 NLT

I suppose that the word discipline has become synonymous with punishment in our society. However, it really means to teach.  As a leader in Cub Scouts, I know the important of teaching boundaries and skills, of having rules and consequences, in order to help the boys become the best they can be. Without discipline, we would be lost as a group and the boys would be lost as individuals. I can see this happen with many children in this country today. They drift from activity to activity with no thought about what is the right thing to do or the most important activity to complete first. And no one seems to be giving them any kind of teaching. Instead, they are allowed to do whatever they desire. 

When the psalmist says that he used to wander off until God disciplined him, he means until God actually gave him boundaries, meaning and direction, he would simply drift from action to action. God’s commandments and laws have built up guidelines, rules, and right action in the psalmist’s life. The psalmist understands that God’s rules as well as the punishment that occurs when those rules are broken help him become the best person that he can be -- which is truly more valuable than millions in gold. 

God, you seek to discipline me so that I can become the person you call me to be. Help me not to be stubborn or self-seeking but to listen and obey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Lord, you are mine!

Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. I am a friend to anyone who fears you -- anyone who obeys your commandments. O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119: 57-64 NLT

The psalmist is becoming more passionate in their beliefs! Lord you are mine! I promise to obey your words! I want your blessings with all my heart. 

The psalmist has been through a rough time and realizes that turning and quickly obeying God is worth everything. Now they are firmly anchored in God, not even evil people can pull them away. They even get up in the middle of the the night just to thank God for God’s promises.

How much to you really want God in your life? With all your heart? Are you sure you aren’t saving just a bit of your heart for something else? 

I am often conflicted by my dreams and desires when it comes to my walk with God. Are these God-given or are they simply Amelia’s wishes? I suppose that is one reason I write these devotionals -- I can write (which is one of my desires) but also write about God’s word and share my thoughts in order to help others on their journey. Not that I am perfect -- sometimes these devotionals seem something I “ought to do” rather than a gift given up to the glory of God. 

What about you?

Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

This is how I spend my life

Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me. I become furious with the wicked, because they reject your instructions. Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments. Psalm 119: 49-56 NLT

What keeps your hopes up? What gets you out of bed every morning besides the alarm clock? How do you get your second wind of energy during stressful times?

For the psalmist, it is God’s promises that keep the psalmist going. God’s promises give them hope. God’s promises revives him. God’s promises keep her from turning away from God’s instructions, even when she is held in contempt. God’s promises give the psalmist comfort. In fact, those who have rejected God’s promises make the psalmist angry. God’s promises are the theme of the songs the psalmist sings each day. 

What are God’s promises in your life? You may include promises of eternal life but there may be other things as well. In the Old Testament, God’s promises included the gift of land, healthy crops, children and protection. List some of these in your mind.

Spend some time thanking God for all the promises in your life and let God know how you will spend the rest of your life. 

Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Love and Salvation for You

Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope. I will keep on obeying our instructions forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. I will speak to kings about your laws, and I will not be ashamed. How I delight in your commands! How I love them! I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees. Psalm 119: 41-48 NLT

If God gives you God’s unfailing love and salvation, you will be able to answer anyone who taunts you for following God. Your hope will be in God’s commands rather than what the world commands. You will walk in freedom, you will be able to speak to those in power and authority about your faith and you will be filled with joy. 

Have you really accepted God’s love and salvation? I think some of those who regularly attend church have not yet accepted God’s love and salvation. Perhaps they have been regular members or attenders for so long, everyone else just assumes they are believers. I think that is also why some people resist evangelism. They are not sure they get it all themselves and, without that assurance, they cannot fathom how they could ever share the gospel. 

The wonderful part is that God’s love and salvation are always offered to us. For free. We just have to say, “Yes!”

God, I accept your offer of love and salvation. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Renew my life with your goodness

Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments!  Renew my life with your goodness.

Psalm 119: 33-40 NLT

The struggle to follow God continues.

Are you wrestling with any of these in your life at the moment?

Looking for happiness anywhere but with God and God’s word.

More eager for money than for God.

Wanting to buy, buy, buy items that are essentially worthless in God’s eyes. 

Continuing to act in shameful ways, despite knowing how they lead you away from God.

The psalmist asks God to give them instruction, understanding, eagerness, life and reassurance. God is willing to give all those to us as well. 

God, how I long to obey your commandments!  Renew my life with your goodness. Give me your joy, your eagerness, your worth, your guidance in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

I told you my plans and you answered

I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put to shame! I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding. Psalm 119: 25-32 NLT

Even when one wants to follow Jesus, one usually ends up trying to make one’s own path. 

Sound familiar? Instead of following God’s will, we tend to want our own will to end up actually being God’s will. Instead of blessing God, we want God to bless us. Rather than being who God wants us to be, we want God to like us as we have made ourselves. I do this a lot. I think my plans are simply going to be blessed by God, regardless.

I told you my plans, and you answered. Now I lie in the dust....

Okay, so maybe the psalmist, like us, did not do so well in following God. Now they, like us, are sorry for their mistakes. Now is the time to try again, to meditate on what God has done, to keep from lying to ourselves, to cling to God’s will and God’s word. 

Where do you need to begin again and follow God not your own desires?

God, I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put to shame! I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Be Good to Your Servant

Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice. Psalm 119: 18-24 NLT

Following God is full of challenges. Sometimes we simply don’t understand scripture, life’s lessons or God’s will. We feel ignorant of what God really expects from us. It is like we are a stranger in another country. At the same time, we are pulled by forces outside of our faith. We are ridiculed or put down because of our beliefs. We are tempted to follow society rather than God. 

Throughout all of this, we want God to be good to us, even though we are only a lowly servant.

How does one hang on to God and live in the world? 

It is a daily challenge and not one where I can give anyone a one minute answer. Certainly, scripture can give us wise advice as can others who have walked this road before us. Simply spending time with God -- in prayer and scripture -- can be a big help. 

How do you hang on to God and live in the world? 

Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012

Beginning our faith journey

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you -- don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Psalm 119: 9-16 NLT

I reading Psalm 119, I get the impression that we are looking at the faith story of one individual. These verses sound like they are just at the beginning of their faith journey. 

The psalmist is trying hard to see how they can be good. It seems to them that following God’s laws is the way to stay true. They have begun by trying to internalize God’s word so that they will not sin. They have memorized the text and can recite it perfectly. They are praising and rejoicing over what rules God has given them. They promise to continue to study God’s rules, delight in them and not forget them. 

Sounds pretty cut and dry. Where is the passion and love for God? Where is the struggle to understand the hard bits? Why is there no questions or life lessons being brought to mind? 

God’s word is not sterile. God’s commands are not just something we memorize. We must live God’s will, not just know it. 

God, I have tried hard to find you. Help me when I try to make your love into something that is dry, stiff and lifeless. May your words live in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012