Tried & True

“Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart…How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD, teach me your decrees…I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” Psalm 119:1-13.

The 119th chapter of Psalm is the longest chapter of the Bible. ‘Whereas elsewhere in the Psalter the focus falls primarily on God’s mighty acts of creation and redemption and his rule over all the world, here devotion to the word of God (and the God of the word) is the dominant theme. The author highlights two aspects of that word: (1) God’s directives for life and (2) God’s promises – the one calling for obedience, the other for faith (the two elements for true godliness.)’ NIV Study Bible Commentary, p. 923.

This passage was proven reliable when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days. He was able to swing that sword (the Word) and slice through any lies or false impressions which kept Him from sin and evil. Through His knowledge of the word (as God has stated) Jesus remained as blameless and pure in His ways leaving the desert as when He entered.

Our author from this morning knew the commitment and devotion required to live a life of pure and blameless living. Living life blamelessly is not seeking a life of perfection which never can be attained. Blameless living is accomplished through seeking the word of God, learning and tucking away its message in our hearts, and being obedient to that word. We cannot obey what we do not know. God has given us knowledge through His word on every situation we approach in life. It is ours for the receiving and learning.

We will also be tested in the wilderness by both Satan and God. The flesh echoes all of Satan’s lies so we must be equipped with God’s truths to fight back.