Tuesday, September 01, 2015

September 1 - Strengthen Me

Today's Reading:
Psalm 119:25-40
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Psalm 119:25-40
25 I am laid low in the dust;
    preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
    teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
    be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
    do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
    for you have broadened my understanding.
33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.

Response and Action:
When life knocks me down, God's word can lift me up and help me understand my situation. In times of weariness and sorrow, God's word can guide and strengthen me. When I am self-centered, God's word turns my heart upward and outward. When I live within the boundaries and commands of the Lord, I find myself to be free. God's word helps me discern what is good and what is worthless. When I meditate on God's word, I am constantly given hope by being reminded of God's promises and faithfulness.

NEW 2015-16 READING SCHEDULE BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13
The Useful Breath reading schedule for 2015-16 starts up on Sunday, September 13th.
Click Here to view, print, or download the new 2015-2016 Schedule as a pdf document.

Today through September 12, I will be posting meditations from Psalm 119 that remind us of the ways Scripture shapes and informs the believer's life.

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