The Psalmist gives us insight into his heart for the Lord and His Word, for the importance of knowing and keeping His Word. “Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes… Give me understanding… Lead me in the path of your commandments” (Psalm 119.33-34). We cannot expect to know our Lord apart from His Word; we cannot anticipate having a close relationship with the Lord without spending time in His Word; we cannot presume to do what is right without a clear commitment of obedience to His Word. The prayer of the Psalmist should be our heart’s prayer consistently; his desires should be the example for our desires. On this foundation he continues with an understanding of what will keep him from fulfilling his desire. “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things…” (119.36-37).
We are prone to focus on the immediate that will bring us satisfaction and pleasure, hoping for fulfillment, when in essence we are drifting, and sometimes speedily, from what should be the true desires of our heart. “Selfish gain” can be that which promotes “me;” focuses on me and what I think is best for me; considers me and my greedy interests over the needs of others. “Worthless things” can be what has little to no value in the greater picture of eternity; which is only temporary, promoting vain satisfactions. In this life we will have worthless things and may have personal gain, but these should not be the subject of our heart’s desire and the motivations of our lives. It is important for us to “incline” our hearts to the Word of God; to bend our desires to be in harmony with His; to seek the truth of His Word as the guide for our lives; to lean into His arms for our security and peace. As those who have been purchased by the blood of Christ may we seek to be “taught His Word, have an “understanding” of His Word, be led by His Word, and have a heart inclined to His Word.
Having the Word of God – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 