May 3

What a great Psalm! Primary it talks about all of the benefits of the Word of God, His commandments, His law and statutes and His decrees. It really is a great Psalm to encourage oneself to stay in His word. There is great benefit! If His law brings freedom, then how much more freedom will we enjoy from His word and His Spirit!

It was verse 5 and 6 that stood out to me:

5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.

Nobody enjoys being put to shame, especially me. However this shame is coming when I compare my life with His commands, or more aptly put for my life, when I consider my day and what I got accomplished coupled with how my life was lived out when compared to His plan for that day. There is a shame that accompanies me when I squander a day or when it is a lot less fruitful than it should have been. It could be that it was tremendously fruitful as far as accomplishments, but now I live in the stress and anxiety of it all that evening. Either way, there is shame when I compare my day to His expectation for my day and there is a huge gulf. (shame- disconcerted, disappointed, dismayed)

“That my ways were steadfast” (established, prepared or firmly prepared and established). God spoke to me about the discipline of my life and my day. If I would only discipline myself and order (establish) my day according to the decree (will and plan) of God, when the day is over, I would be glad and at peace with the results! It takes discipline! There is no way around it – it will take effort – it will take sacrifice at times (to my own will) – but I will reap a reward if it will do it!