The Long One ... Psalm 119

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Hardly got into Psalm 119 and already I had to stop to ponder this:

You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.

(Psalm 119:4-6)

Firstly, I am not taking seriously the fact that God's precepts are to be fully obeyed. Most of the time, my obedience tend to be partial, half hearted. Why? I believe because I do not fear God enough, and with that, the lack of motivation to be steadfast in all my ways in obeying God's decrees.

The solution? The psalmist continues in verses 7-8.

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

I know how weak I am...the important thing, I believe, if I caught the heart of the psalmist..is not to give up trying. Take it one day at a time, strive to walk as righteous as we can before God. Praise Him, obey Him always. And when we do fail, keep crying out to Him for grace and mercy.

I know I have this to my advantage, based on His Word:

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
(Psalm 51:17)

"This is the one I esteem:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
and trembles at my word."
(Isa 66:2b)
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