March 20, 2018
Psalm 119:9-16 Living Bible (TLB)
John and I are presently in the midst of remodeling my mother’s condo; it was in need of quite a bit of work. There’s one problem, the inside of the condo is covered with drywall dust and debris of every kind. Sometimes I stop by and try to get some things done after being at the church during the day. Every time I go to the condo to do anything I get dirty…really dirty. How does one keep clean in a filthy environment?
The psalmist asks a similar question, how can we keep our hearts clean and pursue the presence of God when the world we occupy is a filthy environment? The answer is to stay in God’s Word, follow God’s instructions, and allow ourselves to surrender to the power of the Spirit.
Psalm 119:9-16
9 How can a young man stay pure? By reading your Word and following its rules. 10 I have tried my best to find you—don’t let me wander off from your instructions. 11 I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin.
12 Blessed Lord, teach me your rules. 13 I have recited your laws 14 and rejoiced in them more than in riches. 15 I will meditate upon them and give them my full respect. 16 I will delight in them and not forget them.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of your Spirit to help me act on the Word. Help me to follow and remain in your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.