Today we continue our series entitled, “Back to the Bible,” with Part 21. We have been looking at Psalm 119. Today we will look at verses 37-39 from The Passion Bible Translation (TPT).
David said:
(v.37) Help me turn my eyes away from illusions so that I pursue only that which is true; drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths.
(v.38) Reassure me of your promises, for I am your beloved, your servant who bows before you.
(v.39) Defend me from the criticism I face for keeping your beautiful words.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. There is a way to live [without God] that seems right, but it is an illusion. David said, “Help me turn my eyes away from illusions so that I pursue only that which is true; drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths.” (Psalm 119:37) David’s son, Solomon, said, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Prov 14:12).
a) The Bible tells us that satan, “the ruler of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe.” (2 Cor 4:4). Satan is a master-deceiver. He lures people away from God and His purpose for their lives by playing to their egos and presenting them with an illusion of success. Don’t be deceived. Don’t be drawn away. Success cannot be measured in money, cars, houses, clothes or titles. Success can only be measured in purpose. When you stand before God He won’t ask you about your bank accounts or balance sheet. He is simply going to want to know if you did what He sent you to the earth to do, before you died. It’s that simple. In Christ success is spelled P-U-R-P-O-S-E.
b) When you fill your heart with the Word of God, you are better equipped to avoid the allure of satan’s illusions, because you have the TRUTH. Since you know what is true, you are equipped to identify the counterfeit when you see it.
c) When you walk with God and pursue only that which is true, David said that it is like your soul is DRENCHED with LIFE! You know you are going to heaven, but you also get to enjoy God and the amazing life He gave you every step of the way!
2. God can give you the reassurance you need to face and overcome the criticism you will face. David said, “Reassure me of your promises, for I am your beloved, your servant who bows before you. Defend me from the criticism I face for keeping your beautiful words.” (Psalm 119:38,39)
a) When you believe God, you take a stand on His Word, and you decide to live in accordance with His ways, you will be criticized. But that’s okay. Jesus was criticized and the servant is no better than the Master.
b) David knew we would be criticized and he told us that if we continually remind ourselves of the promises of God, we won’t have to defend ourselves. We can rest in knowing that God will defend us when we are doing His bidding in this world!
c) As a believer you should not live your life purposefully avoiding conflict and controversy. God will lead you to do controversial things. Just look at the life of Jesus. If you want to be at peace with everyone, then you are asking to be irrelevant.
d) If you never face conflict, it is probably because people have not noticed you. And if no one is noticing you, then you are certainly not making an impact for God.
e) When you start making true impact for God and His Kingdom, you will be criticized. But don’t concern yourself with the attacks. Their poison cannot stop your purpose!
f) If no one is talking about you, it is probably because you are not doing anything worth talking about. If you overly concern yourself with what people are going to think about you, you are choosing irrelevance over impact. Jesus was relevant, which is why He was criticized. Are you relevant?
Closing Confession:
Father, this is a season of expectation for me. I expect to walk in Your best every day of my life. I fill my heart with Your truth. I am not lured away by the illusions of this world. Satan will not blind me with false promises. I stand on Your Word. I do Your bidding. I walk in Your ways. I make Kingdom impact everywhere I go. Therefore, I know people will talk about me, because I am doing things worth talking about. That’s okay. I am not moved by what people say. I am only moved by what You say! Their poison cannot stop my purpose. I choose impact over irrelevance, even if it causes controversy. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
