Today’s journal entry is my own prayer to correspond to Psalm 119:57-64. The more I read these verses, the more they spoke to me. Perhaps some or all of this prayer applies to you as a reader so would you consider reading today’s post in prayer with me? Thanks for reading!
Deuteronomy 29; Psalm 119:49–72; Isaiah 56; Matthew 4
57 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
Father God, you are enough. Forgive me for the many times when I seek to fill my soul with the empty things of this world. Instill in me a strong desire to choose you; your eternal truths and worthy commands.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
Thank you God for showing us through this psalm that we can entreat (beg) you. That assures me that you will listen. I am sorry for doubting you. Let me not fall victim to the lies of the enemy; “this problem is too big”, “he will not answer that prayer”, “he will not smile upon you”, “there is not enough grace for you”. You promised grace, that which I don’t deserve, but yet you freely give; therefore I seek your grace right now, with my whole heart.
59 When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
Lord, as you know, I was on a reckless path without you. When I think of this path I remember emptiness, despair, and guilt; I was lost. I run to you now; you fill the empty void in my life, you have given me hope, you have washed away my guilt from sin through your son’s one-time act of death, burial, and resurrection. My true identity is found now that I have you, your word, your rules, your promises, and I have a better understanding of your love.
60 I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
Reveal to me my sins and equip me to immediately turn from them, to you. Teach me your commandments; let me remember them throughout the day in every situation. Give me a heart that cannot wait to do your will and follow you like the first disciples in Matthew 4:20: Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
There are those who would like to attempt to steal your glory by making me stumble. Oh God, do not let me be deceived. Let me fully rely on your righteous commands. Protect me from all evil.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
Thank you for waking me in the night and reminding me of your goodness. Let my first waking thoughts at all times be praise for you, your ways, your mercy.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
Thank you Lord for my christian brothers and sisters, they are truly my companions! They teach me, they pray for me, they share their insights into your word, will, and ways. I am truly blessed to have so many people who love me with the love of Christ. Let me be the companion to them that they need me to be. Please strengthen those who are persecuted for fearing you; especially those in other countries who risk torture and even death because they proclaim you as Lord.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!
We do not have to look far to see your love for us. You create a marvelous symphony morning and night through the birds of the air; let us close our eyes and listen, and give all glory to you. You enable this earth to spin, giving us glorious sunrises and sunsets. Sun and rain give life to our sustenance because you make it happen. You show your love by equipping us with a sense of humor; let us use it properly. You showed the ultimate act of love on this earth by sending your son Jesus. Amen.
Readers, tomorrow’s reading will start the Sermon on the Mount. Would you consider reading it in its entirety as a complete sermon? I fell in love with this sermon several years ago and it continues to have a special place in my life. My Christ-following journey in 2010 started with the reading of Matthew with a quest to learn who Jesus really was and what he really was asking of us. The sermon really answered that for me in a miraculous way. Here’s a link: Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)