Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 119:49-56
Ps 119:49-56 Zayin
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O Lord, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
1 Tim 1:8-11
We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers — and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
When I was about seven years old, my grandparents came to this country for a year-long visit. They were serving as missionaries in Africa at the time. This was the first time that I met them, and I really came to love them. As a young boy, it was my desire to do all I could to please them, especially my grandmother. When she gave me chores to do, I was thrilled. When she gave me instructions about anything, I did my best to comply. (My mother could never figure out why I didn’t respond to her this same way!) I wanted to please my grandmother.
When we love the Lord, we will want to please him. That means the more we know about his word, the happier we are because we know better how to do what he wants us to do and be what he wants us to become. For those who love him, it is a joy to do his will and leave off things that displease him.
He has given his word to those who want to follow him. It is full of principles (along with some commands) that guide us in doing what is right and keep us from becoming involved in things that would grieve the Holy Spirit he has given to live in us. We are his and we want to do his will – to please him.
O Lord, my Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth. You glory, your wisdom, and your majesty is seen in your creation. Thank you for giving your word to guide me. Give me wisdom to understand it and strength to carry it out. Help me open my heart to the bidding of your Spirit as he helps me become like Jesus in every way. Give your healing to those who are sick and comfort to those who are hurting and peace to those who are troubled. Use me to help them and to be an encouragement to them. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus my Lord.
Robert
