Psalm 119 has been a favorite of mine for a long time. It's the longest Psalm written, encompassing 176 verses, all of which focus on the elevation of the Word of God. It uses many different synonyms to describe the Word like "law," "precepts," "decrees," "commands" but all of these are used in reference to the same thing...the very God-breathed Word, its importance, and the Psalmist proclaims how vital it is to our walk with God. A couple of my favorite verses from this Psalm have always been...
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (vs. 105), and
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (vs. 11). But, I also love
"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free" (vs. 32),
"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law" (vs. 18) and
"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction" (vs.92) and many others. But, I recently saw something interesting that caught my attention...
Over and over in this Psalm it says, "preserve my life," preserve my life," preserve my life!" Look at this:
"I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word." (vs. 25)
"Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word." (vs. 37)
"How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness." (vs. 40)
"My comfort in my suffering is this; Your promise preserves my life." (vs. 50)
"Preserve my life according to your love..." (vs.88)
"I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life." (vs. 93)
"I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word." (vs. 107)
Another version translates the word "preserve" as "quicken;" it is the Hebrew word chayah, pronounced khaw-yaw'. It's found in all the verses above and also see verse 17, 116, 143, 149, 154, 156, 159 and 175 (sometimes the English translation is "live"). It means:
to live; to have life; to remain alive; sustain life;
to be restored to life or health;
to revive from sickness, from discouragement, from faintness, from death;
to cause to grow
Do we see why the Psalmist lifts up the Word of God and says "this is where it's at" (in so many words)? You'll notice in most all fifteen of the verses that use this word "preserve" it's followed by "according to your word." It is the Word of God that brings, restores, sustains and revives life. Life comes "according to His Word." So we must learn to run to the Word, my friend. Hear it, read it, memorize it, believe it, apply it to your life and you will L-I-V-E through anything!!!
There is no life apart from Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. He gives us life to begin with and then He causes us to "remain alive" and He "sustains life" according to His Word every day. You and I need His Word e-v-e-r-y day; it nourishes and gives us life! His Word flowing through us, by His Spirit, restores us because it is a book of love. God's love story to you and me.
If you have not fallen madly in love with this Savior and His Word; maybe you know Him, maybe you've even accepted Him into your heart and life but yet there's no love relationship. Friend, there is no love like God's love. Ask Him to revive His love in you. Ask Him to set the fire of His love ablaze in your heart of hearts. That emptiness we all feel at times is filled and satisfied with none other than the love of our heavenly Father. Run to Him. Run to His Word. And let's continue to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (2 Peter 3:19)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Not to us...
Congratulations prom king! Caleb is busy, busy finishing out his senior year. I'm so proud of him!
And in a time when so many companies are downsizing and people are losing their jobs, Ben has been blessed to not only keep his position but has been promoted. You are an amazing son!
News from A. P. Hill Army base in Virginia...(yes, the marines are currently on an Army base)
Tyler left for 3 weeks of deployment training early last week on Wednesday morning. He's busy working seven days a week and keeping some pretty crazy hours. He called home last Thursday with some new news. He said his commanding officer received official word that his unit would not be deploying to Afghanistan this summer as everyone has been told. He said their unit would instead be one of the last to go to Iraq and their mission would basically be to clean up and get out. I cannot tell you how this momma shouted with ecstatic delight!! Although I know there is risk no matter which area he's sent to Iraq is most certainly the lesser evil at this point and time. The estimated time of his term is 7 months beginning mid-August.
There are just no words to describe my gratitude for all the Lord has done and is doing in and around our lives. Everything is not perfect, of course, but He is perfect and my eyes are on Him. This is a special week as we approach the celebration of our Living King! And what could more fitting than to give Him praise!
"Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory, Lord!" (Psalm 115)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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