Oh that my ways may be established to keep your statutes
Then is shall not be ashamed when I look upon all your commandments.
After examining the way of the blameless and the correspondence of it to the Word of God and the happy state of them that follow in it the psalmist turns to examine his own heart.
Prayer recognises the immanence of God. If God be near, I can ask him, If God sees all, I will be ashamed and would rather hide like our first parents both did in order not to be revealed before Him.
The psalmist deep desire is Holiness. That his way be established. That it matches the statutes or standing rules that go vern a people fit for represnting Him. Looking on Gods commands is a soul searching activity if we let the Word 'read us'. It comes to divide our thoughts and intentions like a sharp blade. It hurts when it has to cut out sin, and shame, and the things we would cling to that might hinder our way.
When adam heard the presence of the Lord in the cool of the day, it was supposed to be a precious time of fellowship but he is confronted instead with shame as adam recognises that he has fallen shourt of the loving obedience that he used to have.
The psalmist wants not only to do what is right, but to be established in it. To be fixed, firm, strong, unmoved, well put together, and have the right foundation, to lay the roadway with certainty, truth and direction. He wants a path way that is well trod down. How might his way be established? But by observing, walking, seeking, doing, acknowledging God's word. By prayer and the retaining power of the Holy Spirit to transform our convictions of our whole heart. Striving after the presence of God is what establishes our way. His immanence through the Word and prayer is able to make us unashamed at his appearing. Unashamed before his commands. 1 john 1 28. Dear children continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unsahamed at his coming.
No comments:
Post a Comment