Is there a need for revival and repentance in our lives? Why would we need God’s mercy? Let’s continue in Psalm 119.
? Dalet - Revive Me
Do we personally need a revival of our spiritual life?
My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. I have told of my ways, and You have answered me; Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts, And I will meditate on Your wonders. My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove the false way from me, And graciously grant me Your Law. I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your judgments before me. I cling to Your testimonies; Lord, do not put me to shame! I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart. (Ps 119:25-32 NASB)
? He - Turn my Heart
How easily are we distracted by worthless things and need to ask God to turn our hearts?
Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. (Ps 119:33-40 NIV)
? Vav - Your Mercies
Can we perfectly obey God, or do we need God’s mercy?
Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord—Your salvation according to Your word. So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances. So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes. (Ps 119:41-48 NKJV)
If we can delight ourselves in God’s commandments, but the letter of the law is no longer required under the new covenant, what was one of its main purposes?
For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. (Rom 3:20 NLT)
Is there a need for revival and repentance in our lives? Why would we need God’s mercy? You decide!
