Text: Psalm 119:169-176
Key Verse: I have wandered away like a lost sheep. Come and find me. I am your servant, and I have not forgotten your commands VS 176 ERV
In the end we are all like sheep even though servants of God, followers of Christ, men of God or whatever we would like to be called. The tendency to go astray, to wander off the right way, and to be distracted is ever with us. No wonder the Apostle Paul warned, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor 10:12 ESV. Even though we do not worry about falling, we are aware of its possibility if we do not take heed.
Concluding Psalm 119 on this note is intriguing and surprising. The Psalmist had talked throughout the Psalm about his strong commitment to and passion for the word of God through, application, meditation, memorization, reading, and studying. Certainly such a person should not even think that he might someday wander or stray away from the path of truth. Yet, he concluded that was exactly what happened to him. There is something to deeply reflect on by concluding this way. What is the plain main lesson in this? Be humble as you follow Christ. Don’t ever think you know it all; don’t think you have arrived; don’t stop. Paul had that same attitude, he said, “I don’t mean to say I am perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.” Phil 3:12-14 TLB
If ever anyone strays away the following steps would be helpful:
- Cry to God for help vs 169, 174
- Pray that God keeps you alive to see the help you are asking vs 175
- Renew your commitment to follow God vs 173
- Praise Him for His help and deliverance vs 171, 172
May we retain these qualities of being humble, honeable and hungry as we follow the LORD on this life journey. AMEN!
Prayer– Keep me alive, so I can praise you, and let me find help in your teachings. Amen