Psalm 119:33, 34
A way can be a pathway leading to a particular place or object. It may also be a manner of conducting oneself. Thus sometimes we say, "If you continue to live that way, you will be sorry." What the psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:33, 34 means both. He writes, "Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep Thy law to the end; yea I shall observe it with my whole heart."
Quite plainly that way here is a pathway, for he will keep it to the end. However, understanding that way and doing so with his whole heart speaks of his conduct. And if the saints in the Old Testament times needed to be taught where to walk and how, we surely also do, and need to pray for understanding.
We have so many temptations that are far more subtle than those of the saints in the day when this Psalm was written. Our lives are so crowded with the things of this world, which are so close to us. Satan has so many new devices to use to try to make us leave that path of God's law.
What we need is an understanding heart. We must not only know the path on which we must walk, but also whether this deed or that is walking on that path. We can go to church on the Sabbath, but in our conduct are we worshiping God with our whole heart? Are our works there those of pure love to God? We may sing it there, but is this our sincere prayer?
Teach me, O Lord Thy way of truth,
And from it I will not depart;
That I may steadfastly obey,
Give me an understanding heart.
Now to get an understanding heart we must live close to God's word and pray that He will teach us that way of His statutes. By nature our hearts do not like walking in that law of God. We love our own flesh too much. Therefore make this your prayer. There is so much that we still need to learn.
Read: Psalm 119:33-48
Psalter versification: #325:1
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
Song for Meditation: Psalter #130
Why not sing along??
Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
2 Samuel 22
2 Samuel 23:1-23
Acts 2:1-47
Psalm 122:1-9
Proverbs 16:19-20
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Quote for Reflection
Charles Bridges: "The Christian is the only enviable person in the world. The seeming blessings of evil men are God’s heavy curses; and the smart of the stripes is a favour too good for them to enjoy. To judge wisely of our condition, it is to be considered, not so much how we fare, as upon what terms. If we stand right with heaven, every cross is a blessing; and every blessing a pledge of future happiness. If we be in God’s disfavor, every one of his benefits is a judgment; and every judgment makes way for perdition. Instead of envying sinners in their successful wickedness, dread their character more than their end, and rejoice that your Father never counted the poor vanities of this world a worthy portion for you."
Additional Info
- Date: 4-June
Heys, John A.
Rev. John A. Heys was born on March 16, 1910 in Grand Rapids, MI. He was ordained and installed into the ministry at Hope, Walker, MI in 1941. He later served at Hull, Iowa beginning in 1955. In 1959 he accepted the call to serve the South Holland, IL Protestant Reformed Church. He received and accepted the call to Holland, Michigan Protestant Reformed Church in 1967. He retired from the active ministry in 1980. He entered into glory on February 16, 1998.