Teach Me, Lord

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
33     Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees,
           that I may follow it to the end.
34     Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
           and obey it with all my heart.
35      Direct me in the path of your commands,
           for there I find delight.
36     Turn my heart toward your statutes
           and not toward selfish gain.
37     Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
           preserve my life according to your word.
38     Fulfill your promise to your servant,
           so that you may be feared.
39     Take away the disgrace I dread,
           for your laws are good.
40     How I long for your precepts!
           In your righteousness preserve my life. (Psalm 119:33-40, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
The psalmist knows that the law of the Lord has the potential to perfect his life if he follows and obeys. His words voice the requests of one who desires God’s direction and a willingness to learn: "Teach me, LORD… Give me understanding… Direct me… Turn my heart… Turn my eyes."

"Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees" (verse 33). The psalmist yearns for more than intellectualizing; he desires a thorough understanding and personal enlightenment by God. He has many teachers, but he covets an intimacy with God for instruction and direction, daily application and a renewed lifestyle. The writer promises to "follow it to the end," an acknowledgment that this is a lifetime commitment. However, in following these statutes, he gains freedom from manipulation and control. Therefore, the desire is to refocus on the word of the Lord; only with God’s help can we navigate the twists and turns of life—and as Leviticus affirms, learn to love neighbor as self. 

We too are invited to take these words for our own. As we come to trust and have faith in God, our lives change. Our words and behavior toward others reflect our understanding of God’s law. And by keeping God’s decrees from a heart of trust and delight, we draw ever nearer to God and through grace accept the will of God for our lives. Through the binding nature of covenant, the Holy One confirms the divine promise and gives us life. 


PRAYER:
O God, as we study your word and seek a deeper intimacy with you, open our eyes of faith and trust, our ears and heart for understanding, our minds for greater wisdom. Amen.