Psalm 119:101–104 ‘I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.’ (vv101–102)
The verses quoted address the hardest aspect of walking God’s way. Jesus says that it’s the character of our heart that determines the quality of our Christian walk (Matt. 15:16–20). So we daily engage with God’s Word to align our heart with Jesus’ instructions. These qualities are also regularly picked up in the epistles, which act as practical instruction manuals for Jesus’ disciples, the first Christians. Our intentions are more important than our actions, for these may be no more than a customised costume created for convenience. Such intentions indicate our true heart, and are little more than gesture religion (actions or positions intended to gain publicity or attract public attention, requiring little effort and having no real effect).
Engaging with God’s Word demands that I start to apply Scripture to my inner life which will shape how I live in reality. It is God’s medicine. What are my prejudices? Where do the boundaries of my insecurities lie? Is the source of my inner thought life creating purity of heart (Matt. 5:8)? This is the substance of our daily devotion if we intend to keep our eyes firmly fixed on God. Living every day with Jesus requires us to pay close attention to our inner life and collaborate with God’s Spirit in seeking to grow a faith fit for purpose.
Scripture to consider: Psa. 119:89–120; Prov. 20:9–30; Col. 3:1–17; 1 Cor. 6:12–20.
An action to take: In what ways might I use God’s Word as the benchmark for my behaviour?
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, “open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law”. Amen.’ (Psa.119:18)
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