INSTRUCTIONS
20th May 2015
We recently bought a new phone on the internet, and it arrived without any instructions. I set it up as best I could, trying to set the various functions which was proving impossible, until I searched online and found the instructions, which then showed me that the phone was faulty!
At the same time I was reading Psalm 119 in The Message which is full of instructions on life. It begins, “You’re blessed when you stay on course..... You’re blessed when you follow his directions.” This longest psalm is all about instructions, promises and perspective.
It directs us to live in line with God’s Word, “How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word.” v9 and “Train me in your ways of wise living.” v12 To which the writer of this psalm responds, “I’m thoroughly committed to living your way, before I wandered all over the place, but now I’m in step with your Word.” v66
William Wilberforce, who devoted his life to the abolition of the Slave Trade, committed this Psalm to memory, and would often quote it aloud as he walked back home from the Houses of Parliament. His daunting task was opposed from all sides, and he would seek to restore himself after all the disappointments and seeming failures.
He needed to keep his life on track, be assured that God was on his side and that His promises would not fail. He also needed to gain the right perspective on his opponents, in verse 154 it says, “My antagonists are too many to count, but I don’t swerve from the directions you gave.” v157
The psalmist continues, “My soul guards and keeps all your instructions - oh, how much I love them.” v167 also “And let your promises ring from my tongue; every order you give is right.” v173
We so need to live by the maker’s instructions, hold firmly to all his promises, and get the right perspective on the chaotic world in which we live.
Take some time today and read Psalm 119 - it will do you good!
by Charles Sibthorpe
