Reflecting

Series: Pursuit of Patience

Reflecting

June 12, 2022 | Brandon Lenhart

Passage: Psalms 119:1-16

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Reflecting

(Psalm 119:1-16)

Yearly Theme:  “Patience is…”

Series Title:  “The Pursuit of Patience”

June 12th, 2022

 

 

Something to think about:

 

Today we come to a passage of Scripture known for its length, its content, and its poetry.  “Psalm 119 consists of twenty-two stanzas corresponding successively to the letters in the Hebrew alphabet.  The eight verses of each stanza all begin with the same letter.  This pattern is maintained throughout the psalm until the alphabet is complete.”[1]  Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in any of the books of the Bible with 176 verses, and it covers the topic of the ordinances and commands written in GOD’s law.  The Psalmist reveres GOD’s Word and desires to know it completely as a means to draw closer to GOD.

 

We will not be exploring the entirety of this passage today, just the first 16 verses.  Let’s take a look:

 

Psalm 119:1-16 (NLT),

 

Joyful are people of integrity,

who follow the instructions of the Lord.

Joyful are those who obey his laws

and search for him with all their hearts.

They do not compromise with evil,

and they walk only in his paths.

You have charged us

to keep your commandments carefully.

Oh, that my actions would consistently

reflect your decrees!

Then I will not be ashamed

when I compare my life with your commands.

As I learn your righteous regulations,

I will thank you by living as I should!

I will obey your decrees.

Please don’t give up on me!

 

How can a young person stay pure?

By obeying your word.

10 I have tried hard to find you—

don’t let me wander from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

12 I praise you, O Lord;

teach me your decrees.

13 I have recited aloud

all the regulations you have given us.

14 I have rejoiced in your laws

as much as in riches.

15 I will study your commandments

and reflect on your ways.

16 I will delight in your decrees

and not forget your word. [2]

 

Here’s the takeaway this morning:

 

Key Point:  “The pursuit of patience involves reflecting on GOD’s commands.”

 

What do we learn from these 16 verses that underscore this point?  Well, we learn that…

 

  •  results from following GOD’s commands.

 

John 14:15 (NLT), “If you love me, obey my commandments.

 

John 15:9-11 (NLT), 9  “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me.  Remain in my love.  10  When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.  11  I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.  Yes, your joy will overflow!”

 

  •  results from obeying GOD’s Word.

 

Psalm 24:3-4 (NLT), 3  Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4  Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.

 

2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT), Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

 

Something to take home:

 

Proverbs 19:16 (NLT), Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death.

 

Reflecting on GOD’s commands in such a way that causes us to heed their instructions is so important to a life of peace and hope.  Without a solid foundation, everything we build is on shifting sand.  GOD’s Word is the solid foundation for a life lived with purpose and meaning and hope.  But it takes patience!  Following GOD’s commands and precepts as written in the Bible is not always easy, and at times can be downright difficult.  It’s in these times that our patience is tested and our resolve must remain sure.  So don’t give up.  Press onward and press upward to the high calling that GOD has called all of us to.  Live your life for His purposes, and watch what GOD can truly do in, and through, your life.

 

[1] Robert B. Hughes and J. Carl Laney, Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary, The Tyndale Reference Library (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001), 224.

[2] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ps 119:1–16.

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June 2022

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