Our scripture today is Psalm 119:169-176.
Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word! Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight. Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
While God’s holy word is given and available to all, understanding these lessons require study and prayer. God wants us to know Him more fully that we might better know what He wants for us. It’s all there in Scripture if we make time to study and ask for wisdom.
There are many ways that we misuse God’s word. Some ignore it completely, following their own selfish desires and made up rules. Some choose pieces of God’s word and try to twist it to fit their own agenda. This is not what God has planned for us.
God wants to share His mind and His love with us through Scripture. In addition to reading, we need to discuss the lessons with other believers, gaining a better understanding of God’s word. Finally, we need to talk to God about it through prayer, as the psalmist demonstrates in today’s reading. We have received a wonderful gift in Scripture, may we use it wisely.
Gracious God, we ask Your blessing as we try to understand Your plan for us. Help us to read, share and pray about what is revealed to us through the gift of Scripture. Amen.
Amen