June 5, 2022
I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul breaks with longing for Your judgements at all times. Psalm 119:19-20
The mirror of reality for David has cleared his mind of all deceptions. He clearly understands that God’s ways are best. He had entered into a danger zone which led him into another—a pattern with no end in sight! Looking around, he realized that veering off of the path of righteousness casts a pallor over everything. Whenever the moment of truth took hold, David—known as the man after God’s own heart—did the right thing and returned wholeheartedly to Him whose pure love is the foundation of His government.
The realization of the temporary nature of this life on earth is a pivotal point. Things and people that we have leaned on are suddenly taken away. Instability in economics, politics, relationships point to the transitory and temporary nature of this world in its fallen condition. James made a concise statement about our life here:
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14
There are many different reactions to this truth. The pursuit of pleasure and entertainment may make its way to the top of the list of priorities. Others will dive into their work without so much as a pause to question how much permanent value all this work will achieve. There is always the mind-dulling tactic of alcohol and drug use. So many take refuge in a combination of all of these and more, creating a sort of fantasy world.
But David’s action is the correct response! Looking beneath the temporary and transient, he settled into the truth that all of life is governed by the laws of God. They are truly permanent, unchanging. He realized that he could build his life upon them; a life of stability, filled with hope for the eternal future.
One of the greatest evidences of his success is the historical fact that three thousand years later, people all around the world treasure the Psalms of David. They find in them wisdom, comfort, and guidance. Jesus quoted the Psalms often. David’s words show him to be a New Covenant Believer. The only difference between the old and new covenants is the location of the written law of God.
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:9-11
“…this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD; I will put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Jeremiah 31:33