Psalm 119:47-48

Scripture:
For I find my delight in your commandments,
    which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
    and I will meditate on your statutes.  -Psalm 119:47-48, ESV


Observation:
-God's commandments are a delight to those who love them
-It is important to meditate upon them and to reach for them.

Application:
What a wonderful thought for the start of a new year-I find my delight in God's commandments, which I love.  I will lift up my hands toward His commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on His statutes. 

 I think that has to be one of the marks of a Christian-a love for the word of God.  
The psalmist gives us some clear direction here that is hard to miss.  

How do we approach God's word?  Do we let someone else do the work for us and just sit back and soak in a good book or sermon (or read someone else's thoughts on a blog?)  The line "lift up my hands" leaves me with the impression that I have to do something in the process.  I have to move in the direction of God's Word.

I snapped this photo on a trip I took over the Christmas break to the California coast.  I chuckled that the road department in California was so on top of things that they even post cones and warning signs around cows that are loose on the road-that must really keep them busy!   The sign even changes when the cow moves slightly- I am impressed!!  You know, God's Word provides us with "road signs" to pay attention to along our journeys as well.  Sometimes it serves as a warning, sometimes as guidance; giving us directions that need to be followed, sometimes providing information we need.

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2 Timothy 3:16-17 states it quite plainly:
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."


Every part of Scripture is included in this word from the Apostle Paul to Timothy.  Why should we delight in God's statutes?  Because they are not the idle words of men, but the thoughts of God Himself.  The Bible is more than a list of do's and don'ts-it is our road map for the Christian walk.  No matter what gets thrown at us- God has the answer for us in His Word.  
Just this past weekend I read through the book of Romans- the entire book- in preparation for a new sermon series being presented by a pastor friend.  Convicting!  Encouraging!  As a bond-servant of Christ my attitude in some areas needed adjustment to be in line with the mind of Christ.  It is far too easy for me to start grumbling and feeling sorry for poor little ole me rather than becoming the servant I am supposed to be.  


So here is to another fresh start... His mercies are new every morning!


Grace, Peace, and Mercy,
Deb

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