I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws – Psalm 119:7 NIV
Knowing and obeying God’s Word will bring blessings to your life, blessings you can count on. However, if God is going to bless you, you must then sincerely seek the Lord and not merely study and read the bible. It is not just having “facts in the head,” but “truth in the heart” that makes you and I grow in the Lord and opens up for us channels of blessings from heaven itself.
“I will praise you” – This is the NIV rendering. But the NASB rendering is “I shall give thanks. . .” It appears that “praise” and “giving thanks” are synonymous. One can hardly render praise to God without doing so from a thankful heart. Also, the particular structure in the Hebrew conveys the idea of cause. In other words, it is because of having an upright heart that causes us to want to praise God. It is God’s blessings that He promises to pour out on us if we obey His Word that causes us to want to praise and give thanks to God. It is the fact that we have God’s commandments as our guide into spiritual truth that causes us to fall down on our knees in humble praise.
“With an upright heart” – This is what gives our praise of God authenticity. You see, people can go through the motion of praise and worship to God, but inwardly their heart is not upright.
Let me give to you a couple of examples.
First, look at Psalm 50
16 But to the wicked, God says:
"What right have you to recite my laws
or take my covenant on your lips?
17 You hate my instruction
and cast my words behind you.
18 When you see a thief, you join with him;
you throw in your lot with adulterers.
19 You use your mouth for evil
and harness your tongue to deceit.
20 You speak continually against your brother
and slander your own mother's son.
21 These things you have done and I kept silent;
you thought I was altogether like you.
But I will rebuke you
and accuse you to your face.
What God is saying here is this: “If you are not obedient to My Word, then stop preaching it. Stop reciting it. Stop using it to make you look good in the eyes of others. You have no desire to want to live by it. I take offense in that you recite My commandments, but your obedience is totally absent.”
You say, “Whew, I’m glad that’s primarily said to those who preach and teach the Word, but for someone like me who simply sings and plays an instrument on a praise team, I don’t have to concern myself with a double standard.”
Hold on – check this out. Check out Amos 5 --
23 Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
24 But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!
God says, “Your singing to Me is merely noise. Silence! And playing your instruments is something I will not take the time to listen to. What I want to see in your heart and life are justice and righteousness. When you have a heart that is filled with these things, then you can sing and play your instruments and then I will listen and take delight in what I hear.”
Therefore, whether you are a preacher or someone who offers praise and worship through songs, an upright heart is mandatory. If our preaching, singing or playing a musical instrument does not come from an upright heart, to the Lord it is mere noise and an offense to His ears.
But how do we know what an “upright heart” looks like?
“As I learn your righteous laws” – We come to know the requirements of having an upright heart by reading and meditating on God’s law (His Word). An upright heart is not gained through service, but sincere service comes forth from an upright heart. We know and understand the meaning of knowing what an upright heart is by understanding and believing the Scriptures.
By the way, the word “upright” means “straight.” This has moral implications. It is a heart that is not crooked or bent toward error. It is straight or in proper alignment with God. It is a heart that points directly toward heaven and does not deviate onto another path.
Interestingly, the word “learn” in the Hebrew carries the idea of “exercise.” In other words, to learn God’s Word is a matter of exercise. It will be demanding. It will take a portion of your time set apart to do so. It will be at times strenuous. But if you learn (exercise) God’s Word regularly, you will have a healthy “upright heart.”
Also, think about this. If you want to participate in a 5K run, you just can’t show up on the morning of the race and expect to finish without croaking. But if you take several days to train for the race by exercising and running, then at the time of the race, you will be in better shape to finish well than if you did not exercise at all.
So it is with Sunday morning worship. If we do not take the time to learn (as in exercise) God’s Word daily during the week, don’t blame the Praise and Worship team if you spiritually croak and have a bad experience. You had a bummer experience in church because you showed up not ready. You did not take the time to spiritually and mentally exercise during the week by reading and meditating on God’s Word. If you did, you would enjoy the worship and you would finish well in the end.
Summary: Praise and thanksgiving to God comes out of a heart that is morally upright and trained in the Scriptures.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
How To Avoid Shame - Psalm 119:6
One of my goals for 2010 is to do a personal study through all 176 verses of Psalm 119. So far, I have already completed 5 verses, today will be verse 6. For a commentary on verses 1-5, look at the blog list.
Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands – Psalm 119:6 NIV
Sin produces within the heart two things: Guilt and shame. Such things are not easily wiped out by putting something like a band aide over a wound. Guilt and shame go much deeper. People have lived with guilt and shame for years seemingly unable to shake it. God has His remedy for such things, but verse 6 is not it. Rather the writer is pointing us into the direction of how not to even get shame.
You see, a consequence of sin is shame. The writer knew what it was like to have shame dominate his life. He has done the wrong thing and the result was the feeling of shame. If the writer of this psalm is David, then we know what he is talking about. David sinned against God by sleeping with Bathsheba, another man’s wife (2 Sam. 11). Then as a way to try to cover his sin, David had the husband of Bathsheba (Uriah) murdered (cf. vv. 14-27).
You can read about David’s guilt and shame in Psalms 32 and 51. David was riddled with guilt and shame “day and night” (Ps. 32:4); physically he wasted away and he groaned all day long (v. 3); he understood that although he slept with another man’s wife, it was God he had sinned against (Ps. 51:4), which was the reason why it was God's hand that was “heavy upon David” (Ps. 32:4).
So the writer is saying that the best way to handle both guilt and shame (both seem to always be together) is to avoid getting them by “considering all God’s commands.”
The word “consider” used by the psalmist means “to pay attention to.” It has to do with taking serious God’s Word. When God had the bible written, He had you and I in mind. He knows what will bring to us joy and happiness. If we come across a bench in a park and it has a sign on it that says, “Wet paint,” if we ignore the sign and sit on the bench, we do so because we did not take seriously the words on the sign. The sign was written for a reason. Those who avoid sitting on the bench are the ones who take the words written on the sign seriously. So it is with God’s Word. The writer says, “consider,” or “pay close attention” to God’s Word. Take all of His commands seriously and you will avoid getting stained with guilt and shame.
Notice that the first word in verse 6 is “then.” In other words, the writer is making an on-going connection to verse 5. Verse 5 states that when our ways are established by God, it is because we “keep His statues” (laws). When I do, “Then I shall not be put to shame.”
Remember our first parents in the Garden? Once Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, and then when they heard God coming they “hid themselves” (Gen. 3:8). They just had sinned and now they both felt guilty and shameful. People who struggle with shame don’t like to go to church, attend bible studies or other fellowship groups. They feel so ashamed. Scores of excuses will rampage their minds. They hide from God and from others.
Now it is worth noting that there are two kinds of shame. One is negative and it “follows” sin. This form of shame occurs when we sin. The other kind of shame is positive and it “precedes” sin. It is the kind of shame that our conscience produces to enable us to avoid doing something that is wrong.
For example, most normal people would be ashamed to take their clothes off in public. This is a good thing. This form of shame is prohibitive and it stops us from committing acts that are wrong. You never want to lose this kind of shame. It is part of your conscience so keep nourishing it with God’s Word.
But the shame that occurs when we get caught in the act of doing something wrong or even getting caught down the road, whether it is the next day, months or years, the shame that follows is the result of the shame that was tucked away within our hearts and once we got caught it now is out there for everyone to see.
Again, the best way to avoid this type of shame, the shame that follows sin is to take seriously (“pay attention to,” “consider”) all of God’s commands. And when we do, like the writer says, “You will not be put to shame.”
Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands – Psalm 119:6 NIV
Sin produces within the heart two things: Guilt and shame. Such things are not easily wiped out by putting something like a band aide over a wound. Guilt and shame go much deeper. People have lived with guilt and shame for years seemingly unable to shake it. God has His remedy for such things, but verse 6 is not it. Rather the writer is pointing us into the direction of how not to even get shame.
You see, a consequence of sin is shame. The writer knew what it was like to have shame dominate his life. He has done the wrong thing and the result was the feeling of shame. If the writer of this psalm is David, then we know what he is talking about. David sinned against God by sleeping with Bathsheba, another man’s wife (2 Sam. 11). Then as a way to try to cover his sin, David had the husband of Bathsheba (Uriah) murdered (cf. vv. 14-27).
You can read about David’s guilt and shame in Psalms 32 and 51. David was riddled with guilt and shame “day and night” (Ps. 32:4); physically he wasted away and he groaned all day long (v. 3); he understood that although he slept with another man’s wife, it was God he had sinned against (Ps. 51:4), which was the reason why it was God's hand that was “heavy upon David” (Ps. 32:4).
So the writer is saying that the best way to handle both guilt and shame (both seem to always be together) is to avoid getting them by “considering all God’s commands.”
The word “consider” used by the psalmist means “to pay attention to.” It has to do with taking serious God’s Word. When God had the bible written, He had you and I in mind. He knows what will bring to us joy and happiness. If we come across a bench in a park and it has a sign on it that says, “Wet paint,” if we ignore the sign and sit on the bench, we do so because we did not take seriously the words on the sign. The sign was written for a reason. Those who avoid sitting on the bench are the ones who take the words written on the sign seriously. So it is with God’s Word. The writer says, “consider,” or “pay close attention” to God’s Word. Take all of His commands seriously and you will avoid getting stained with guilt and shame.
Notice that the first word in verse 6 is “then.” In other words, the writer is making an on-going connection to verse 5. Verse 5 states that when our ways are established by God, it is because we “keep His statues” (laws). When I do, “Then I shall not be put to shame.”
Remember our first parents in the Garden? Once Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, and then when they heard God coming they “hid themselves” (Gen. 3:8). They just had sinned and now they both felt guilty and shameful. People who struggle with shame don’t like to go to church, attend bible studies or other fellowship groups. They feel so ashamed. Scores of excuses will rampage their minds. They hide from God and from others.
Now it is worth noting that there are two kinds of shame. One is negative and it “follows” sin. This form of shame occurs when we sin. The other kind of shame is positive and it “precedes” sin. It is the kind of shame that our conscience produces to enable us to avoid doing something that is wrong.
For example, most normal people would be ashamed to take their clothes off in public. This is a good thing. This form of shame is prohibitive and it stops us from committing acts that are wrong. You never want to lose this kind of shame. It is part of your conscience so keep nourishing it with God’s Word.
But the shame that occurs when we get caught in the act of doing something wrong or even getting caught down the road, whether it is the next day, months or years, the shame that follows is the result of the shame that was tucked away within our hearts and once we got caught it now is out there for everyone to see.
Again, the best way to avoid this type of shame, the shame that follows sin is to take seriously (“pay attention to,” “consider”) all of God’s commands. And when we do, like the writer says, “You will not be put to shame.”
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Prayer of the Blessed - Psalm 119:5
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! (Psalm 119:5 NIV).
Oh – There is a deep longing in all Christians to keep the commands of God. But guess what? We know how often we fall short. Like a New Year Resolution, we have the best of intentions, then once the New Year turns, within a very short time, all our intentions are just that – good intentions drowned by utter failure.
Here the writer is actually crying out to God. He is praying, pleading and displaying an intense desire. He is all emotion right now. We have already been introduced to what is required to have a “blessed life” (vv. 1-2). Keeping one’s way blameless (v. 1) and observing God’s testimonies (v. 2) are within reach, but so often we fall short. This is because we try our best to obey God in the power and struggle of the flesh. The end result is failure and misery. So the writer cries out to God, “Oh. . .,” which is simply His way of praying, “Lord, I need your help if I am going to pull this off!”
My ways were steadfast – “ways” in the Hebrew means, “path,” “journey,” “course of life.” The word, “steadfast” means “enduring,” “stable” or “firmly fixed.”
Okay, here is the meaning: Ever been on a diet and failed? Of course you have. What usually happens to the majority of people who start out with lots of high hopes but end in disaster? They quit. “Forget this,” they sigh. “I might as well be fat or undisciplined.”
This is the mindset that many people possess; I know I have struggled with this far too many times myself. Failure is what causes many Christians to throw up their hands in disgust and declare, “I might as well walk the path of a weak and defeated Christian. I will never amount to anything good for God.”
Within the first five verses, the writer of this Psalm understands how human nature works. He knows what often accompanies failure – hopelessness. So the he prays, “Lord, please cause the path that I take toward the blessed life to be steadfast, fixed and firmly established. Don’t let me give up over a few failures along the way. Don’t allow me to quit trusting in you. Stop me from listening to the devil and all other voices that say in so many words that I cannot become what God wants me to become. Please keep my walk, my path, my ways firmly secure, strong and enduring.”
Obeying your decrees – Again, continuing the previous thought, the writer is praying that he will not be so easily tempted to give up from obeying God. Walking with the Lord is always a challenge. Obeying God in big and small things means a life of commitment, dedication, duty and submission. There will be days in which we will not feel up to the challenge. It is during such times we are to pray to God and with all of the emotion and intensity within us, ask: “Dear Lord, the spirit within is willing, but my flesh is weak. Today, help me to live in the power of your Spirit and not in the might of the flesh.”
decrees – This means a “prescribe law or command.” God’s laws are thoughtfully prescribed with us in mind. You see, the Lord does not make arbitrary laws that have no thought of us. He prescribes specific commands and laws bearing in mind His people, knowing that it is for their own good and protection that they obey Him. God is good and everything that proceeds forth from Him will bear such resemblance. Never think for one minute that God’s laws are an attack on your happiness and well being. Nothing could be further from the truth. God has decreed such commands in order to ensure your well being. Therefore, don’t become weary in doing good, knowing that you will reap the benefits in due time (Gal. 6:9).
Conclusion: There is no possible way to strive for the blessed life relying on the flesh or human achievement. Cry out to God for help and strength and never become discourage while walking on the path of obedience.
Oh – There is a deep longing in all Christians to keep the commands of God. But guess what? We know how often we fall short. Like a New Year Resolution, we have the best of intentions, then once the New Year turns, within a very short time, all our intentions are just that – good intentions drowned by utter failure.
Here the writer is actually crying out to God. He is praying, pleading and displaying an intense desire. He is all emotion right now. We have already been introduced to what is required to have a “blessed life” (vv. 1-2). Keeping one’s way blameless (v. 1) and observing God’s testimonies (v. 2) are within reach, but so often we fall short. This is because we try our best to obey God in the power and struggle of the flesh. The end result is failure and misery. So the writer cries out to God, “Oh. . .,” which is simply His way of praying, “Lord, I need your help if I am going to pull this off!”
My ways were steadfast – “ways” in the Hebrew means, “path,” “journey,” “course of life.” The word, “steadfast” means “enduring,” “stable” or “firmly fixed.”
Okay, here is the meaning: Ever been on a diet and failed? Of course you have. What usually happens to the majority of people who start out with lots of high hopes but end in disaster? They quit. “Forget this,” they sigh. “I might as well be fat or undisciplined.”
This is the mindset that many people possess; I know I have struggled with this far too many times myself. Failure is what causes many Christians to throw up their hands in disgust and declare, “I might as well walk the path of a weak and defeated Christian. I will never amount to anything good for God.”
Within the first five verses, the writer of this Psalm understands how human nature works. He knows what often accompanies failure – hopelessness. So the he prays, “Lord, please cause the path that I take toward the blessed life to be steadfast, fixed and firmly established. Don’t let me give up over a few failures along the way. Don’t allow me to quit trusting in you. Stop me from listening to the devil and all other voices that say in so many words that I cannot become what God wants me to become. Please keep my walk, my path, my ways firmly secure, strong and enduring.”
Obeying your decrees – Again, continuing the previous thought, the writer is praying that he will not be so easily tempted to give up from obeying God. Walking with the Lord is always a challenge. Obeying God in big and small things means a life of commitment, dedication, duty and submission. There will be days in which we will not feel up to the challenge. It is during such times we are to pray to God and with all of the emotion and intensity within us, ask: “Dear Lord, the spirit within is willing, but my flesh is weak. Today, help me to live in the power of your Spirit and not in the might of the flesh.”
decrees – This means a “prescribe law or command.” God’s laws are thoughtfully prescribed with us in mind. You see, the Lord does not make arbitrary laws that have no thought of us. He prescribes specific commands and laws bearing in mind His people, knowing that it is for their own good and protection that they obey Him. God is good and everything that proceeds forth from Him will bear such resemblance. Never think for one minute that God’s laws are an attack on your happiness and well being. Nothing could be further from the truth. God has decreed such commands in order to ensure your well being. Therefore, don’t become weary in doing good, knowing that you will reap the benefits in due time (Gal. 6:9).
Conclusion: There is no possible way to strive for the blessed life relying on the flesh or human achievement. Cry out to God for help and strength and never become discourage while walking on the path of obedience.
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