October 6, 2019 -- Psalm 119:30 -- The path of faithfulness

I have chosen the way of faithfulness;

I set your rules before me.

Psalm 119:30 English Standard Version

Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. When He has grabbed hold of our hearts we must continually choose, each day, at the place where we are tempted, we must choose the way of faithfulness. It is the way which Jesus leads. When, in hindsight, or by way of conviction we realize we have strayed from the path of faithfulness, we are invited to prayers of confession. We repent—turn from our sins and turn to Jesus. And we set our feet back on the pathway of faithfulness.

In order to stay in the way of faithfulness and keep us from straying, we would be wise to set the rules of the LORD before our eyes. My wife and I have joined the gym. It was so good for us. However, I have noticed that there are many distractions at the gym. When my wife is with me my eyes don’t stray as they can when she is not present with me. Alone I’d notice those men who are buff and I’d find I can resent them. How easy it seems for them to maintain a fit physique. Alone I can get distracted by women in the gym. The moment I realize how my eyes and thoughts wonder I would avert my eyes; but I needed a better solution.

When I committed to memorizing this Psalm, I had a ready answer supplied to me. When I was on the treadmill, I’d have one stanza of this psalm written out and placed in front of me. My thoughts are thereby focused on memorizing and my eyes are not free to go astray. It is one way to choose the path of faithfulness and to put the word of God in my heart so that I won’t sin against Him (check out verse 11).

Consider the ways in which your eyes and minds can stray from faithfulness. What things would distract you from keeping your eyes and attention fixed on Jesus? Now, ask yourself: what are the ways in which the LORD invites you to put His rules before your eyes?

Thank You for Your faithfulness to us, King Jesus. Thank You that Your words and Your ways never strayed from complete, joy-filled obedience to our Father in heaven. Blessed are You, Jesus, even when obedience led you through suffering and pain, You remained steadfast, recognizing the fruit of obedience would yield greater fruitfulness than whatever temptations to stray might have purported to offer You. Thank You Spirit of God, You Who rested on Jesus, also fill the hearts of believers so that we are enabled to live as a new creation, suited to walk in the way of faithfulness. God of Glory and Life, cause the way of faithfulness to be the longing of our hearts so that we bring You the honour Your Name so richly deserves. Amen.