the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Psalms 119:17-40
When we open our Bible, let us always start by asking the Lord to open our eyes so that we can behold the wondrous things in it (v. 18). Let us ask Him at the same time to turn our eyes away from "vanity" (v. 37). How many things that word covers! It is not possible to find one’s pleasure both in the Word and in the things of this world, for example the love of wealth (v. 36; read Luke 16:13). Another obstacle which so often closes the Scriptures to us is a bad conscience. How can we enjoy what reproves us? First of all we must confess our sins: "I have declared my ways", says the psalmist; then he adds "teach me . . . (vv. 26, 33; Psalms 32:5; Psalms 32:8); make me to understand . . . (v. 27); give me understanding (v. 34)," prayers which are all pleasing to the Lord. His testimonies are "my counsellors" (v. 24). But I must allow myself to be counselled by them!
Notice also the progress made between vv. 30, 32 and 36. The believer has chosen the way of faithfulness; he determines to run along it and asks God, not to widen that road, but to enlarge his heart so that the object of his affections can draw him more strongly (Philippians 3:14). Finally he depends on God to make him walk in that path (v. 35).
