January 14, 2015
David went through a lot of stuff. But there were some constants in his life...some things that, by God's grace, had been determined.
""I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances."" (Psalm 119:106)
""My life is continually in my hand (i.e., in danger), yet I do not forget Your law."" (vs. 109)
""The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts. (vs. 110)
“I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statues forever, even to the end."" (vs. 111-112)
There was a dogged determination to persevere in God's Word...listening to God and obeying Him. In spite of danger, opposition, enemies, the difficulties of life, this was the one constant. David was, at every turn, going to find a way to listen to and obey God.
THE REWARD
Because of this conviction and perseverance, David was rewarded with that which, alone, the Word of God can provide.
""Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."" (vs. 105).
The difference for a man with this determination is that he can SEE. He is not walking in a fog, confused about the next step or his long-term direction. He has the benefit of walking in the light over the long haul so he is not worried or bothered by the dailyness of life. He always knows that God will direct him through the Word. There is a confidence and a joy about his life that is borne of long hours sitting at the Lord's feet, listening to His Word.
CAN I GIVE A PERSONAL TESTIMONY?
I don't know quite how to express this, but when faced with trouble or confusion or difficulty there is at the bottom of my life this wonderful, solid, confidence: I know I can get to God through His Word. I’m no David, but simply one of God’s many children. But I know that He will guide me, for He always has. I know, by God's matchless self-revealing grace, that if I search for Him I can find Him and that He has never failed to reward me with His presence, direction, and sufficient grace. It is this determination and this promise that has sustained me and centered me in my life.
Time in the Word and a dogged commitment in your life to obedience will always pay off. The rewards are unending for those who give unending attention to God.
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