A revisit is worth it

How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it. (Psalm 119:14)

I frequently go back to this verse to study it a bit more because it is rich in wisdom for living a good life that is honoring to God. How can a person actually live a 'good life' that is consistently honoring to God? In truth, it is hard at times, but there are some things we can do to make it just a bit easier. God gave us a 'map' of sorts when he gave us his Word - truth to set us free, keep us traveling in the correct direction, and wisdom to correct us when we veer a bit off track.

Road signs - the Word is more than just 'good reading' in our lives - it actually points out various twists and turns in the roadway of life, making it less likely that we will miss the things we are supposed to be taking in along the way.

Banked promises - time in the Word of God is one of the soundest investments of your time that you can ever make - because its effect multiplies when you take it in with regularity. The more you allow it to get into the fibers of your being, affecting your choices, and changing your character, the more truth is 'banked' for those times when you may not actually know how to respond.

Trained in his ways - I guess this is the one point we all need to actually remember as we consider the Word of God. It isn't just the 'Good Book' - doctrine, dogma, or rituals. It is living truth. We need to be 'trained' in the right choices and this isn't done by 'hitting God's gym' once a week at church! Training must be regular, frequent, and with increasing longevity.

Ponder the morsels - it is like allowing a smooth, rich, creamy piece of milk chocolate melt on your tongue, stimulating your senses and bringing great delight to your body. Why does chocolate do that? It stimulates a hormonal response that makes us feel 'good'. Pondering God's morsels might just stimulate more than a 'feel good' hormonal response!

Attentively watch how God works - because we might just miss it if we aren't actually paying attention. When we see how God works, we are less likely to do things 'our way' or with stubborn pride. We will attempt to 'move inside' his plans and allow him to work in and through us.

Relish the Word - take pleasure in it - this isn't done by casual contact with it - it comes as we take it in, allow it to wash over us, and then bask in what his Word actually produces when we do. Just sayin!