“My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes” (Psalm 119:171).
During school days I remember being either very interested in the subject which I was studying, or indifferent to the subject. My attitude depended upon my interests and my inclination toward that particular subject. I love history, so I still love to read historical accounts and sometimes historical novels. Science was another story altogether and I was indifferent. I did read and study and I received top grades in science, but it was not something that I intended to pursue and the subject of science is not something that I enjoy in conversation. However, get me with some history buffs and I am excited to listen and partake in the repartee.
Chapter 119 of the Psalms, beginning with verse 169 through the end of the chapter, is an example of “praising lips.” This writer has asked for learning and discernment and then praises God for the principles the principles he has been taught by God. He wants to sing about the commands of God and God’s Word. It is obvious that this person loves the subject he is learning.
When we do study God’s promises, His precepts, and His principles, we should become excited. It is not history or science, but His Word is alive and speaks and lives in and through us. We can feel His presence through His Spirit, but also through His message to us. We should be able to feel it like the prophet Jeremiah, as determined not to speak of God’s Word and wonders, but declared, “But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”
Our prayer should be, “Father, please give me a passion for your Word so that as I learn your precepts, I can not stay silent, but have a song of praise on my lips for your Word is like a fire in my heart, and I can not be still or silent.”
Tracy Payne
Oklahoma
Pray Together: CREATIVE ACCESS: Pray for the effectiveness of various classes and programs that provide points of contact with unreached peoples.
