“Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight.” -Psalm 119:35

This verse builds on the previous two verses. The psalmist has prayed for teaching, understanding, and now practical guidance. Christians live out our faith in habits of holiness, not for moral discipline alone, but because of the love relationship we have with the Law Giver. The psalmist prays for help to walk in God’s ways because he, like us, cannot perfectly obey. God’s help is needed each day to fight sin and walk worthy of the calling which we have received. Living within the safe walls of His commands in peaceful fellowship with Jehovah-Shalom is a believer’s deepest joy. 

“Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” -Psalm 119:36

The remedy against sin is to look in God’s Word. What does it have to say about the temptations battling for our affections? Selfish gain will only go so far in this life- it ends when we die. But to fix our desires on heavenly things, the statutes of God, will benefit us for eternity.

“Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” -Colossians 3:1-4

Grace upon grace,

April