So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts, and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing, acceptable before your eyes, Yahweh, my only Redeemer, my Protector. Psalms 19:14 TPT
The Context:
This is David again, the man after God's heart, who knew just how to get God's attention. The whole chapter is dedicated to celebrating the might, power, strength and wisdom of the God who created all that our eyes see. David took a good, long look at creation around him, and he could see God's mighty acts on display. He looked at the host of heaven, including the sun in all its glory, and he understood his own limitations in the light of such amazing revelation. As I look around me and consider all that God is and has done, what does it awaken in me? Does it lead me to praise or to condemnation? When I encounter things I do not understand, does it make me go to the One who has all things under control, or do I resort to self-help or worship of creation rather than the Creator Himself?
The Message:
And the seat of all that I do lies in the heart. That is where God must first do his work before that which he has done in me can flow out of me. Just before we read today's extract, we see all the benefits of the Word of God and what He can do in a man's life. The work has to be internal first before the value can be seen externally. I check out all the things the Law, statutes and commands of the Lord are to achieve in a man's life, and the first point of call is a man's inner man, away from the prying eyes of man or the distraction of man's applause and approval.
We can get very confused by the ever changing ways of the world if that is all we care about. We can get very confused when we let the world dictate what the Word is saying. It is the law of the Lord, not that of any man, no matter how gifted with words. It is called law, statute and commands because the Word of God is not subject to negotiation; I have to either accept what he says or strike out on my own. This is why David could ask God to work on his heart so that he would not be carried away by all the drama that the world brings. When God is able to work on a man's heart, He makes him acceptable. The world's opinion does not count here; all that matters is that the One who is able to preserve to the end is in charge and all will end well.
The Response:
No wonder David could pray the prayer in today's extract. The words of my mouth must match the meditation of my heart. When God has worked in me, what comes out of me will look like the One who is working in me. He has to work in me if I be all that God intends. As long as I am alive, I will keep speaking, my heart will keep thinking, and I will always have to focus on something. God has to help me so that what my life produces is in line with that which God can bless.
When God has worked in me, there is harmony out of me: no confusion, hypocrisy or eye-service. I am not looking to impress you; I am simply seeking that which will bring glory and praise to God. If God accepts my life and service, what does it matter what man thinks? If God rejects my life and service, what does it matter how long man applauds? I have got to know that which God can bless, and make that my eternal pursuit and priority. Look at today's extract again and see that there is not a single reference to any other person apart from the speaker and God. That shows that from God's perspective, man's view about you does not count. Focus on God and get him on your side. Ask Him for help on how you can please Him and be accepted by Him. Your eternity will be glad you did. His time of favour is here.
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