Monthly Archives January 2015

Vs. 26 — I have declared my ways, and You answered me; Teach me Your statutes.

Thomas Manton:

In short, this declaration is not necessary for God, who ‘knows our thoughts afar off,’ Ps. 139:2; not only our words and works, but purposes, before we begin to lift up a thought that way. But this declaration is necessary for us, to increase the awe of God upon our heart, and that we may undertake nothing but what we will solemnly acquaint the Lord with. Well, then, this declaring our ways is an act of dependence. (Manton, T. (1872). The Complete Works of Thomas Manton (Vol. 6, p. 244). London: James Nisbet & Co.)

Prayer:

Father, I have declared my ways, and You answered me; Teach me Your statutes. My declaration is one of complete dependence upon Thee. I want You, but more importantly I declare that I need You!  I also have declared that I will pursue the way of righteousness, of justice, of integrity. I declare that Jesus Christ is my Savior and God. He rules my heart. You have answered me with Your Spirit. You have adopted me and made me an heir of righteousness. Oh that I may understand more of Thy ways. Teach me that I may know Your statutes.

Vs. 25 — My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.

Matthew Henry:

By thy providence put life into my affairs, by thy grace put life into my affections; cure me of my spiritual deadness, and make me lively in my devotion.

Prayer:

Lord, Sweet God of Comfort in despair, my soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word. When my zeal is dead and there is no desire stirring my heart towards the things of Thy Kingdom, devotion and prayers are empty, revive me. Breathe fresh life into this soul. I don’t want to remain dry. You are my life. You are my hope. You are my joy and purpose. Revive me not according to my abilities or piety; not according to my knowledge of Your word; not according to anything but Your word as You have promised.

Vs. 24 — Your testimonies also are my delight And my counselors.

Charles Bridges:

What could we want more in a time of difficulty than comfort and direction? David hath both these blessings. As the fruit of his “meditation in the Lord’s statutes,” in his distress they were his “delight;” in his seasons of perplexity they were his “counsellors,” directing his behaviour in the perfect way.

Prayer:

O’God, I delight in Your testimonies. Your word guides me even better than a hundred counselors. When I don’t know where to turn or what decision to make, I seek wisdom from Your word. Time and time again You have led me in the right path and given me discernment when I needed it. Praise to my God, to my Lord–Jesus Christ. Amen!

Vs. 23 — Princes also sit and speak against me, But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.

William Cowper:

Verse 23.—“But thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.”—Perceive here the armour by which David fights against his enemy. Arma justi quibus omnes adversariorum repellit impetus, his weapons are the word and prayer. He renders not injury for injury, reproach for reproach. It is dangerous to fight against Satan or his instruments with their own weapons; for so they shall easily overcome us. Let us fight with the armour of God—the exercises of the word and prayer: for a man may peaceably rest in his secret chamber, and in these two see the miserable end of all those who are enemies to God’s children for God’s sake.

Prayer:

Father, though people who sit in high positions speak against me either in private or public, I will be at peace and leave justice to You. For they slander in vain and the their venom will not harm me. Some may consider me to be their servant due to a status of position in this life, but I am Your servant and I answer to You first. I will watch you defend Your own. As Your servant, I will meditate on Your word and especially Your testimonies of how you protect Your people. This strengthens my faith.

Vs. 22 — Remove from me reproach and contempt, For I have kept Your testimonies.

Thomas Manton:

1. It is no strange thing that they which keep God’s testimonies should be slandered and reproached. 2. As it is the usual lot of God’s people to be reproached; so it is very grievous to them, and heavy to bear. 3. It being grievous, we may lawfully seek the removal of it. So doth David, and so may we, with submission to God’s will. 4. In removal of it, it is best to deal with God about it; for God is the great witness of our sincerity, as knowing all things, and so to be appealed to in the case. Again, God is the most powerful asserter of our innocency; he hath the hearts and tongues of men in his own hands, and can either prevent the slanderer from uttering reproach, or the hearer from the entertainment of the reproach. He that hath such power over the consciences of men can clear up our innocency; therefore it is best to deal with God about it; and prayer many times proves a better vindication than an apology.

Prayer:

Father, I do not experience the contempt and hatred from the enemies of the Gospel, those ravenous wolves who with gnashing of teeth hate righteousness and life, as many of my brethren do, even this day. Remove the reproach and contempt from the saints who suffer for Your name’s sake. Deliver those who are imprisoned, beaten, and tortured. Uphold them from faint heartedness, weariness, and despair. Fill them with joy and peace, strengthen them in faith by grace, so that Your great power and great love for Your own might be known. Show their enemies whom it is they are kicking against–the Captain of the Hosts of Heaven, Jesus Christ.