Today we're going to be digging deep into Psalm 119.....are you ready for the challenge? Let's begin with one more thought about yesterday's topic of double-mindedness. We looked yesterday at several Scripture references that give us insight into what it means to be double-minded. Perhaps this reference came to mind as well.....Revelation 3:14-22. Read that passage carefully and consider what Jesus has to say to the church at Laodicea. How does this relate to being double-minded?
Think back over the entire samekh stanza. We have spent some time in our study of Psalm 119 looking at those who don't follow God. Looking at this stanza specifically, what do you learn about the benefit that both the psalmist and those who don't follow God had access to. How do you know they both had access? What have they done that shows us this? If you're stuck, here's a hint: look carefully at verse 118.
Let's examine verse 114 a little more closely. This verse contains a phrase that is rich in comfort for us...."my hiding place and my shield." See what you can learn about this phrase from cross-references in Scripture (use your concordance) as well as from other study tools you have access to. Remember, we are digging deep today! Take your time, and please don't let this assignment scare you away! You can do it!!! Once you've completed your research, review your findings. How can you apply what you have learned to your life? Be specific.
The final verse of this stanza (verse 120) focuses on fear. What does "fear" mean in this context? Is this an appropriate response to a God who judges sin? Remember that the loving God of Calvary who has reconciled us to Himself through the sacrifice of His Son is also a holy God. Consider those in the Bible who had direct encounters with God. Think about how they responded. Does this fit with the psalmist's assessment. If you're not sure where to look, start with Saul on the Damascus Road (see Acts 9). How did Saul respond when he had a direct encounter with the Lord? Can you think of other examples?
Today has been a "heavy duty" assignment, hasn't it! Take your time......don't rush through. And be sure to take time to evaluate how what you learn applies to you personally.
And here's one more thing.....a sort of "bonus" assignment if you have time for it. Take a look at the word "wait". What Hebrew word is used? Check out other ways the word "wait" is translated. Consider what waiting on God meant to the psalmist. How can we apply that to our lives?
My posts for the next couple of weeks will be rather sporadic. We will be traveling, so my time at the computer will be limited. My plan is to post when I have opportunity, although the topics may deviate a bit from Psalm 119. Keep checking in to see if there's a new assignment. This brief interlude may give you time to "catch up", and will also give you plenty of time to complete today's assignments. Remember that there are free on-line resources available to aid you in your study (http://www.blueletterbible.org/ and http://www.biblegateway.com/ are examples).
And one more thing.....I think the "comments" problem is fixed, so feel free to leave a comment or share an insight in the comments section here or on Facebook. I would love to hear from you!
"Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire."
(Hebrews 12:28-29)
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