Vaclav Havel said, “The real test of a man is not when he plays the role that he wants for himself, but when he plays the role destiny has for him.”
Each one of us has a purpose for our existence. When that purpose materializes, life has greater meaning.
The LORD will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:8 NLT
Embrace the role your spiritual destiny has for you!
The Psalmists commitment to God’s Word shaped how he regarded God. It is evidenced in his prayers and worship. (169) let my cry, (170) my supplication come before you, (171) let my lips utter praise and (172) let my tongue sing.
Matt Chandler states “Great men of God have a holy discontentment; their hearts can never get enough of God.” This desire is evident in the Psalmists words, (173) let your hand be ready to help me, (174) I long for deliverance, and (175) let my soul live.
(176) I go astray like a lost sheep. David, a shepherd, knew what it was like to seek out lost sheep prone to wander off. Jesus fulfilled David’s prayer as Luke 19:10 tells us He came to seek and to save the lost.
Verses 153-160 of Psalm 119 incorporate the theme of Revival. Consider the Psalmist’s words, Deliver me (153), Redeem me (154), Revive me and preserve me (154, 156, 159). David Guzik offers this commentary, “The Psalmist looked for help and salvation outside of himself…He knew he needed God to redeem him…The Word of God is a source of revival.” If we will only read it and incorporate its principles into our lives.
Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions. Psalm 119:153 NLT
One reason we fail to do just that is so many of us have lost our Awe of God. This is the subject of verses 161-168. I find it interesting that so many people are willing to make God an idea. If they can allow themselves to believe that thought, then God can be manipulated. Better still, God can be fooled. However, if God is real, he is to be feared (revered) because he knows all and sees all. Consider the Psalmists words, My heart trembles (161), I love your law (163, 165) because it is a great spoil (treasure) and brings me peace. Because he is in awe of God and believes God knows everything about him, he obeys the Word of God (168).
Awe occurs when you stand on precipice of something vast (an ocean, mountain or canyon) and it makes you feel small. In the words of Matt Chandler, “The human heart hungers, not to be consumed with itself, but to look up in awe of our Creator.”
Allow your heart to be revived, be in awe of God!
This stanza of the 119th Psalm highlights the righteousness of God. He is righteous (137) and so is his word (138). His righteousness is everlasting and true (142) and is unchanging (144).
How can anyone measure up to this standard of perfection? The psalmist’s approach is one of an all out pursuit of holiness (139). He recognizes his lowly and despised condition (141), yet he has an unwavering desire to understand God’s word.
The second stanza reminisces, considering the time and manner of the psalmists pleadings with God. Charles Spurgeon summarizes it this way…He prayed with his whole heart (145). He prayed, “God save me!” (146). He prayed before dawn (147) and all through the night watches (148), He cried out, “Preserve my life!” (149). God drew near in response (150).
“He who has been with God in the closet will find God with him in the furnace.” C. Spurgeon.
1 Peter 3:12 ties the two stanzas of this psalm together. The eyes and the ears of the Lord focus on the righteous and listen to their prayers.
The previous three stanzas of Psalm 119 emphasized drawing near to God. In verses 121-136 we do not find the cry of a proud person looking over his domain. Instead, a different cry arises, that of a servant.
(122) Ensure your servants well-being is a cry for God to take up the psalmist’s cause, for God to represent him. Christ ensures his followers are heard by interceding on our behalf (Hebrews 7:23-28). The Holy Spirit also intercedes for those who are God’s people (Romans 8:26-27).
The servant asks for God to (124) deal with them mercifully, (125) give them understanding, (128) and keep them from the wrong path.
What does the right path look like? (130) Unfold your words is the preparing one’s heart to receive the light of God’s word. It involves turning towards (not away from) the God of mercy. Those committed to the right path ask Him to direct their footsteps (133), deliver them from oppression (134) and shine on them (135).
If you find yourself on the right path do not be surprised if (136) streams of tears flow from your eyes when you observe those around you who are hostile towards the Savior they do not know personally.
Scraps 