I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
Psalm 119:30 (NIV)
Read: Psalm 119:25-32
Consider: What do you think of when you hear the word ‘faithfulness’? The psalmist talks about the ‘way’ of faithfulness in verse 30, but also uses the word ‘path’ in verse 32. Both these words show that faithfulness is a choice we make, which leads us to live in a particular way.
The psalmist isn’t primarily talking about faithfulness in marriage, yet for many people the word ‘faithfulness’ will bring this to mind. What the psalmist is getting at is faithfulness to God. The history of the Israelites is one of being fervent for God, then falling away, being punished by God, then returning to God again (think of the book of Judges and the incidents recorded there). The Israelites walk with God was not consistent, but had many highs and lows. This, however, is not the way God wants his people to live. What God really wants is for his people to be so in love with him that they choose to be faithful.
Choices are a characteristic of the godly life. We can choose to be faithful, or unfaithful. The Bible is full of examples of choices people make; some good, some bad. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20 Moses says to the people of Israel: This day … I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.
In Joshua 24 is recorded the choices that Joshua set before the people of Israel when they entered the promised land. Joshua himself says: As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).
I particularly like what is written in Isaiah 30:21 when the Israelites were told to discard their idols and follow God wholeheartedly: Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’.
So what are the choices you have to make? Are you prepared to live God’s way? Are you prepared to seek God’s direction and listen to his guidance to keep you on the way of faithfulness?
Pray: Father, keep us on the way of faithfulness in all aspects of our lives. May we take time to seek your guidance day-by-day and be willing to listen to your voice of instruction. Amen
Every blessing
No Condemnation 