Journal Ps 119:97-120 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: (The Psalmist) “I hold back my feet from every evil way in order to keep your word…Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart…You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word…Hold me up, that I may stay safe and have regard for your statutes continually!” (Ps 119:101, 111, 114, and 117)
Observation: What do these verses have in common? The significance available to me of God’s Word.
Analysis: This verse comes to mind: “For the word of God is living and active…” (Heb 4:12a)
There is more following Heb 4:12a, like being sharper than a two-edged sword, and having abilities to get into a person’s heart and stuff, but it is good to unpack verses bit by bit so that I can build understanding.
If I think of the “living and active” properties of His Word, then I begin to see how the Psalmist’s assertions about His Word apply:
- It provides discipline to resist sinful ways (“every evil way”) so that I can keep His Word.
- It becomes my heritage, the thing that I keep as my legacy to generations following.
- It becomes my hope, my hiding place (whatever I need that for) and my shield (I understand “shield”).
- It is my safety.
This is where the grace of imagination kicks in.
I think it is imperative that, when reading scripture, I think of the words on the page pulsating with life. There is latent power there. There are some readers that will think I have gone off my rocker. My only excuse is that I am charismatic in application and I know of no other way.
The above takes a bit of imagination, picturing in my mind, what the words mean and making an application. It is a characteristic, a trait, of being made in the image of God.
Therefore, embrace the Word! As I read Scripture, none of it is bland. I may be bland in mind, though. I must work through that so that I fiercely embrace His Word.
Prayer: Lord God, short this AM. Trees in the backyard calling me for sweat equity after Ian. Thank you for your mercy and my prayers for all those that survived and are now facing Ian part Deux. Please keep those of yours safe.
Help me not be complacent considering your Word. Keep my feet from every evil way.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes