February 16, 2020 -- Psalm 119:115 -- Devoted

Depart from me, you evildoers,

   that I may keep the commandments of my God.

Psalm 119:115 English Standard Version

Once again, a quick sketch of context is critical for us to grasp this verse. In verse 114 the psalmist noted that the Living God is his hiding place (the place of protection and growth in learning greater trust) and his shield (the attacks of the enemy will be turned back so that the child of God is assured his salvation is guarded by the glory and presence of the Spirit). Now to the present verse. The writer of this Psalm has enjoyed such refreshment in worship and prayer that he is far more sensitive to the motives and machinations of those around him.

There is, people of God, a sweetness that arises from spending time with God. When believers read the Bible and pray, they are not merely completing a “to do” list. In devotional times believers are drawing strength and blessing from the One Who Sustains His people (Isaiah 46:4). Worship reorients the believer so that he learns the fear of God, God Who alone is immortal and lives in unapproachable light (I Timothy 6:16). God is the One Who is to be feared and blessed, honoured and adored. Our lives are dedicated to Him alone because of His splendour and majesty, the fact that He alone is worthy.

When someone is devoted to exercise, he will scorn anyone who wants to impose on his exercise time or routine. He won’t have it.

When someone is committed to good grades in school, then the discipline of completing all assignments on time trumps the thought of putting homework aside for a night out with friends.

We, who don’t share the same passions as these people, will perhaps mock such dedication—who cares about grades? Getting a “C” means one comfortably passes the course, what is the point of all the extra work in getting an “A? The one just wants the grade. Many other things matter as much, or more than the subject at hand. The committed student delights in the study, loves the subject and sees the benefits accrued by working in a disciplined way and the “A” confirms his delight.

So it is with those who love the LORD. His commandments are homework that teach us more about the Author of our Salvation. His laws are good and show us the wide pathways of life that set beautiful boundary lines for our lives (Psalm 16:6). Walking in the pathway of life is not only exercise for the body, it is blessing for the mind and soul as one becomes dedicated more completely to the Father Who is the Source of every blessing (James 1:17).

Captain of Salvation as Your holy army is summoned to worship—by the call the Holy Spirit—may Your Name be praised and adored. As Your people sing hymns, psalms and spiritual songs, may the knowledge of Your glory rise as incense before our Father’s throne. Increase our faith as we worship You with our whole heart and mind and soul. Deepen our understanding of Who You Are by the preaching the Word. Let the knowledge of Your glory and goodness, power and love, fuel our holy living so that the insolent and accursed ones will not have influence on our lives, but You will increasingly become our all in all. Amen.