1 Kings 8, Psalm 119:33-40, Luke 1:67-80, Ephesians 3:1-13 

Psalm 119:33-40:

This section of this psalm once again gives the lie to the idea that the desire to keep the law (or God’s Word) in the way it is expressed here or in the Bible is in anyway legalistic. No, instead, the psalmist is ardently praying that God would help him, teach him, lead him, that he might be empowered to follow God’s Word. There is a need for God’s gracious intervention for us to be able to follow God at all. Listen to the number of times that the psalmist here asks God to help him keep God’s law, and the necessity of that before it is possible for him to do what God’s Word says.

• “Teach me…and I will keep it…” (119:33).
• “Give me understanding, that I may keep your law…” (119:34).
• “Lead me…” (119:35).
• “Incline my heart to your testimonies…” (119:36).
• “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things…” (119:37).
• “Confirm to your servant your promise…” (119:38).
• “Turn away the reproach that I dread…” (119:39).

Over and over again, the psalmist makes clear his need for God’s intervention if he is to keep God’s Word. This morning, then, would you ask God to teach you, lead you, incline your heart to God’s Word?

For us to keep God’s Word, we need God’s help. Perhaps there is some area in your life where you are struggling to obey what God says. Pray then, as the psalmist does, that God would “turn your eyes from worthless things” (119:37). We have the capability to move our eyes physically wherever we please. But we need our wills directed so that we turn our eyes from worthless things. Ask for God’s help to that end.

Note also the passion of the psalmist: “Behold, I long for your precepts” (119:40). As A.W. Tozer put it long ago: “God tells the man who cares.” Call out to God, cry out to God, ask God. Ask God to teach you, lead you, incline your heart. Then you will increasingly keep his Word!