Give Me Discernment

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Give Me Discernment

Date: Oct. 8, 2016

Passage

Psalm 119:113-136 (ESV)

Samekh

113   I hate the double-minded,
    but I love your law.
114   You are my hiding place and my shield;
    I hope in your word.
115   Depart from me, you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116   Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
    and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117   Hold me up, that I may be safe
    and have regard for your statutes continually!
118   You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
    for their cunning is in vain.
119   All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
    therefore I love your testimonies.
120   My flesh trembles for fear of you,
    and I am afraid of your judgments.

Ayin

121   I have done what is just and right;
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
122   Give your servant a pledge of good;
    let not the insolent oppress me.
123   My eyes long for your salvation
    and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124   Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
    and teach me your statutes.
125   I am your servant; give me understanding,
    that I may know your testimonies!
126   It is time for the LORD to act,
    for your law has been broken.
127   Therefore I love your commandments
    above gold, above fine gold.
128   Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
    I hate every false way.

Pe

129   Your testimonies are wonderful;
    therefore my soul keeps them.
130   The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
131   I open my mouth and pant,
    because I long for your commandments.
132   Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    as is your way with those who love your name.
133   Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
    and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134   Redeem me from man’s oppression,
    that I may keep your precepts.
135   Make your face shine upon your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.
136   My eyes shed streams of tears,
    because people do not keep your law.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 119:125

I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!

First, I love your law (113-120). When the Psalmist had to live among evildoers he took refuge in the word of God. It was not as a means of escapism. He took refuge to put his hope in the Lord and his deliverance. God became his source of life. He learned that the wicked may seem intimidating in light of the ways of this world, but in the end they are like dross, and they will come to nothing. There he learned God's awesome and eternal nature. Then he could fear God and love his word.

Second, I am your servant; give me discernment (121-128). The power of God's word is that it has the ability to reveal God to us. When we are met with opposition in this world we see no relief or justice. But when we meet God in his word he gives us discernment. We meet the Lord who has been bearing men's sins on himself with love. Through his word we meet God who has bound himself to us in all of our sufferings. There we see his word unfolded before us. We have light to see his mercy. The hope of eternal redemption brings us to tears, as does the weight of sin that he bears. Obedience to God's word gives is a new and glorious lens with which to discern God's presence in this world.

Prayer: Lord, help me to love your word, that I may know your glorious presence.

One Word: Love God's word, discern his presence

Repent of Compromise with the World

Revelation 2:12-29

Key Verse: 2:16

Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.

Today's Question

What are the reasons for the second commandment?

See answer and references