December 23, 2019 -- Psalm 119:80 -- Shameless service to our King

May my heart be blameless in your statutes,

that I may not be put to shame.

Psalm 119:80 English Standard Version

This is the final verse of this stanza. This stanza is considered by some to be a prayer uttered while in fiery trial. As such it makes sense that the final sentence of the prayer is asking for a blameless heart—that is a direct reference to verse 1 where the blessedness of God is found among the blameless.

Without the Spirit of God to direct us, we are likely to pull back from the statutes of the Living God. We have our own standards of morality and conduct, right and wrong. However, our view of right and wrong is affected by our sinful affections, and our strong inclination to view our own sinfulness with indulgence while judging others with harshness. Here the Psalmist is asking that his heart will lean into the statutes of God—the laws of God which are tested and proved to be right and True and altogether excellent as the pathway for the people of God—and to lean into these statutes without any hesitation.

Whatever we do or say is closely observed by the people around us. In church, in our family, in the workplace, in the coffee shop—people who know we are Christians will carefully watch us to see whether or not we are consistent. Our name and reputation is linked to the King of Glory. What we say and do among our peers either brings His reputation to honour or shame.

When we are shamed, His reputation is marred. Let me be clear—the Glory of God is great. He is Perfect. He is Just. He is loving. He cannot be tarnished by our words or deeds. We are discredited. We are guilty. We are dishonourable. However, sinners who watch us link our actions to the account of our God—they do so wrongly—but it is a sharp warning that we as Christians must strive to be above reproach. We are called to live for His honour. When we fail, when our words and actions are out of step, we must be prepared to confess this completely.

Little wonder then, that the Psalmist urgently prays that he not be put to shame—his desire is that the excellencies of the Majestic High King of Heaven be openly viewed and blessed by others. Ah, fellow Christian, may this prayer be answered. Let the blessings of God’s statutes, and the mighty perfections of His laws be the joyful course of your life that leads you to rejoice in the blessedness of God our Father, God our Savior and God the Comforter of all true believers.

You, Creator God, have made us and You know the purposes for which You give us breath and life. By Your Spirit keep our feet in the paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. For Your honour and glory, help us to keep short accounts—quickly aware of our sins, equally quick to confess them and seeking to repair community with You, Jesus our Savior, and restore community with our peers. Thank You for the extravagant patience You show us, Triune God. Thank You for working out our impurities and imperfections on the anvil of affliction and bringing us to exhilaration which is found where there is freedom from sin and freedom to live holy service to You. Amen.