A Good Dependence
Many parallels exist between growing in the Christian life and growing in physical life, but there’s at least one contrast. In physical growth, the older we get, the more independent we become (up to a point, of course!). After all, can you imagine a normal, healthy teen being dressed by mommy?
In our spiritual life, however, the more mature we become, the more we sense our dependency upon our Heavenly Father.
We don’t know how old the psalmist was when he wrote 119:17-24, but clearly he was old enough to learn the lesson of dependency upon the Lord. In his writing, then, he challenges us to be dependent upon the Lord in several areas, first being for our very life (v. 17).
I need the Lord to “deal bountifully” with me—that is, to deal with me according to His grace and not His justice—if I hope to “live.” He’s not talking about actual physical life, but enjoying a quality of life marked by purpose, joy, and meaning. Note, incidentally, that such a life is expressed in the keeping of God’s Word.
Second, I’m dependent on the Lord for insight into His Word (v. 18), so that I might see what is truly “wondrous,” or worthwhile and valuable. So easily are my eyes misted over by the fog of the world’s enticements, ideologies, and values. I need the Lord to open my eyes to see clearly.
Third, I’m dependent on the Lord for my stability as a pilgrim wandering through potentially dangerous territory (v. 19). Imagine yourself alone in the heart of Iran, needing to negotiate your way from one end of the country to another, without GPS or even a map. Now imagine yourself in the same setting with a military escort and an official, current guide. In which scenario would you prefer to be? In which would you find a greater sense of security?
Fourth, I’m dependent on the Lord for making good decisions (v. 20). God’s “judgments” are critical for decision making; therefore, I should eagerly seek to discover His perspective on issues and concerns before moving ahead with a significant decision.
Fifth, I’m dependent on the Lord for deliverance (vv. 21-22) from the personal sins of pride and transgression (“stray” – v. 21) against God’s commandments. I also need to be delivered from both the practice and the victimization of reproach and contempt (v. 22a). Incidentally, when I’m faithful to God’s Word, reproach and contempt against me will have no basis in fact (v. 22b).
Sixth, I’m dependent on the Lord for courage when confronted with a hostile situation (vv. 23-24). Yet this courage isn’t so much a commodity simply to be given, as the lion in Wizard of Oz wanted from the old wizard. It grows from a mind and heart that, once again, centers on God’s Word. Courage builds from a meditative mind (v. 23b), appreciative heart (v. 24a), and a submissive life (v. 24b).
As you face the day, don’t go it alone—depend upon your Lord!
In our spiritual life, however, the more mature we become, the more we sense our dependency upon our Heavenly Father.
We don’t know how old the psalmist was when he wrote 119:17-24, but clearly he was old enough to learn the lesson of dependency upon the Lord. In his writing, then, he challenges us to be dependent upon the Lord in several areas, first being for our very life (v. 17).
I need the Lord to “deal bountifully” with me—that is, to deal with me according to His grace and not His justice—if I hope to “live.” He’s not talking about actual physical life, but enjoying a quality of life marked by purpose, joy, and meaning. Note, incidentally, that such a life is expressed in the keeping of God’s Word.
Second, I’m dependent on the Lord for insight into His Word (v. 18), so that I might see what is truly “wondrous,” or worthwhile and valuable. So easily are my eyes misted over by the fog of the world’s enticements, ideologies, and values. I need the Lord to open my eyes to see clearly.
Third, I’m dependent on the Lord for my stability as a pilgrim wandering through potentially dangerous territory (v. 19). Imagine yourself alone in the heart of Iran, needing to negotiate your way from one end of the country to another, without GPS or even a map. Now imagine yourself in the same setting with a military escort and an official, current guide. In which scenario would you prefer to be? In which would you find a greater sense of security?
Fourth, I’m dependent on the Lord for making good decisions (v. 20). God’s “judgments” are critical for decision making; therefore, I should eagerly seek to discover His perspective on issues and concerns before moving ahead with a significant decision.
Fifth, I’m dependent on the Lord for deliverance (vv. 21-22) from the personal sins of pride and transgression (“stray” – v. 21) against God’s commandments. I also need to be delivered from both the practice and the victimization of reproach and contempt (v. 22a). Incidentally, when I’m faithful to God’s Word, reproach and contempt against me will have no basis in fact (v. 22b).
Sixth, I’m dependent on the Lord for courage when confronted with a hostile situation (vv. 23-24). Yet this courage isn’t so much a commodity simply to be given, as the lion in Wizard of Oz wanted from the old wizard. It grows from a mind and heart that, once again, centers on God’s Word. Courage builds from a meditative mind (v. 23b), appreciative heart (v. 24a), and a submissive life (v. 24b).
As you face the day, don’t go it alone—depend upon your Lord!
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