May 30, 2020 -- Psalm 119:175 -- Adventures in Praise

Let my soul live and praise you,

and let your rules help me.

Psalm 119:175 English Standard Version

Believe it or not, this is the second last verse of the entire Psalm. Here King David is summarizing his themes and drawing all the strands of this epic poem all together. The Hebrew meaning of the word “soul” includes: life, longings, soul and desires. Here the Psalmist is praying for God to sustain his soul and life, his being and person according to the rules which the LORD our Maker has declared fitting for all people..

Not that long ago a man I used to meet with regularly said, “Richard, I know the word of God says” (here the warning bells in my heart starting sounding alarms). He went on to say he was aware that the LORD’s word tells us not to be unequally yoked, that is, a Christian should only date a Christian. Non-Christians are off limits because they do not have the same goals, the same soul desires as the Christian. He felt that his circumstances were unusual and therefore he should not have to obey that rule. That did not end well for him nor for his former girlfriend.

Our King is also our Creator. He knows how we are made because He made us. He knows our weaknesses. He knows how easily we are swayed from right pathways. King David is well aware of this as well. He is appealing to God for a soul that is sustained in joyful obedience. He is asking for a mind that meditates on the goodness of God so that the ways of the LORD which have been proven right and true will be for him the holy highway of his heart.

David failed so many times and in so many ways. The psalms of the bible are filled with confessions and repentance—songs where David recognized his wrong-doing, admitted it and turned from it. Such confessions inevitably led him to the throne room of God’s grace and mercy. David would break into praise because of the never-failing kindness of the LORD.

LORD of Life we join with the soldier saints of the ages who have experienced Your goodness and love and we praise You. Indeed, by Your Spirit instill in us a conscience that is fine-tuned to all that is right and holy. Spirit of all Help, direct us so that we will be quick to recognize our sins and prepared to turn from them and seek the forgiveness of our Father in heaven. Thank You, Lord Jesus for Your sacrifice which makes such forgiveness possible and available. Triune and Glorious God, great is the adventure of and joy in serving You. Amen.