READ: Psalms 101-102
Psalm
101 is a psalm of dedication to a lifestyle of holy living. David begins this
psalm singing of God’s love and His justice. God’s love leads David to the
point where he wants to please Him, but he is also acutely aware of God’s
justice. His pursuit of holy living is a response to both God’s justice and His
love.
It is
interesting to note in verse 2b how specific David is. He says he will have a
blameless heart and walk with integrity within his own home. This is notable
because most people can relate to the struggle of living differently in public
than they do in private. David is making a commitment here to live at home and
in his private life to the same degree of holiness and integrity he does
elsewhere. We know David’s story. We know he was diligent in attempting to live
to this standard. We also know he didn’t do it perfectly. This can serve as a
great encouragement to us as we read his song of commitment. A commitment like
this may be the very thing that kept David going back to the Lord for forgiveness
and help, and then getting back up and living with confidence.
In Psalm 102:18 we encounter an interesting verse. This verse literally says to write this down. Not to tell it to the next generation but literally to write it down. What exactly are we supposed to write down? Verse 19 explains. We are to write down the story of when the Lord looked from heaven and saw us in our mess. He saw how we were prisoners and condemned to death. Then He did something about it! Why are we to write down the story of our mess and bondage? Verse 21 answers this question. It’s so the name of the Lord will be declared and praised.
The
last several verses of this psalm help us grapple with God’s eternal nature.
Most people see the earth and the universe we are a part of as solid,
never-ending entities. There may be some who have predicted the demise of earth
as we know it, however, even they often have plans and ideas for what we can do
to save it. No matter how solid and never-ending this world may seem, Psalm 102
reminds us it is weak and disposable in comparison to the everlasting God we
serve. Even after this world finally is removed from existence God will still
be the same forever after that. Wow!
JOURNALING AND
PRAYER
1. Have you made a commitment to live a holy lifestyle?
What about at home when you ‘let your hair down’? Ask the Lord to speak to you
about the commitment to holiness you have made in the past and how well you are
keeping that commitment. Ask Him how you can improve and what you are doing
well. If you have made that commitment but have dropped the ball, ask Him for
forgiveness and confidence to get back up and try again. Ask Him for words of
encouragement and vision. If you have not made a commitment to holy living in
your private and public life, spend some time asking God to give you the
courage to make that commitment today. Ask Him for specifics and strategies.
2. Psalm 102:18 is a
biblical mandate to journal! Ask God to speak to you about your journaling
habits. Is there something He would like you to journal about that simply has
never gotten down on paper for whatever reason? Is your testimony of how God
saved you from your own bondage and imprisonment to sin written down? Spend a
few minutes listening to God about what part of your story He wants you to
write down today, then spend some time obeying.
3. Sit quietly before
the Lord. Ask Him to give you words, thoughts and pictures of His eternal
nature. Worship Him!
