April 8, 2020 -- Psalm 119:146 -- Increasing Assurance

I call to you; save me,

that I may observe your testimonies.

Psalm 119:146 English Standard Version

Notice the purpose for which the psalmist calls out to God that I may observe your testimonies. The fact of the matter is that there are many things which are thrown at us so that we are knocked off course from such dedicated service.

We need to be saved:

~from our sins, this is the most obvious reason for such crying out to the LORD our God

~from the temptations of the world, distractions which pull us from sacred service to God

~from the circumstances of our lives, such as social distancing and being confined to our homes

~from our insecurities which undercut our confidence in God

~from bitterness which easily rise up at the least promptings

~from our false pictures and understandings of Who God Is and what He approves or disapproves

~from our inclinations to amuse ourselves to death rather than serving our Heavenly Master

When the LORD saves us, we are prepared for holy service. Such service, offered in view of Jesus’ resurrection and powered by the Spirit means that:

~our life’s purpose is beautifully fulfilled

~the LORD our God is honored and praised

~bitterness and anger are conquered, drowned in the love of God poured out on us because of this we

rise up and respond living out the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

~our neighbours and family and co-workers see in us a consistent witness to His glory

~Jesus Christ and His sacrifice is applied for the healing of every part of our lives

~we show ourselves to be sons and daughters of the Father in heaven

~we are humbled to see the wretchedness of our sins and hate them all the more as we rise to bless

God our Father and renew our dedication to living for Him

~such service confirms we are sons and daughters of the Most High God and fruit of such service is

precious assurance of our faith.

With the psalmist we cry out to You God the Rescuer of sinners and healer of wounded souls. Save us from our sins. Save us from ourselves. Save us from the hazards we don’t even realize are rising up all around us. King Jesus, Savior and Healer, with the psalmist and the redeemed through-out the ages, we rededicate ourselves to You. Send Your Spirit so that we will not feel we have stumbled beyond the grip of Your grace. Cause us, O LORD, to be a blessing to one another and encouragers who seeing those around us in sore need of Your love will prayerfully lead them to Your glorious presence. Amen.