Declaring To God Defines Our Devotion And Dependency
“I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.” Psalms 119:26 (KJV)
Many years ago, in the early years of my spiritual journey, I attended a worship service at a small church. At the most there were probably fifteen souls in attendance. It was a sweet, intimate time of fellowship that was inspirational and reflected a genuine investment to commune with God. After we offered worship using the hymn books, the Pastor invited us to share a praise or testimony regarding our relationship with God. One by one individuals in the fellowship declared how grateful they were for God giving them eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. They declared how habits that lead to hell were replaced with habits that hooked them to the confident hope of heaven. They declared that their manner of life was no longer mastered by polluted passions, lawless lusts, and Satan but their steps were now ordered by the Lord. In addition, they displayed a rich and real relationship with God that was marked by freedom from the ropes of religiosity (legalist rules and regulations).
“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalms 119:133 (KJV)
In a similar fashion, the Psalmist also made a declaration about his life. There is no doubt he would have been right at home in the time of testimony and praise that I experienced. In his statement, there were a couple of things that he declared:
1. His ways. Ways refer to his direction, manner, habits, and way of life. By declaring his ways, the Psalmist demonstrates his dependence on God, not independence. Just like the writer, we should be honest with God when sharing our hearts. We should discuss our weaknesses, temptations, confessions, fears, peaks, and valleys, needs and concerns.
2. You heard me. How significant is it that your Father is paying attention? He gives you His ear and makes you a priority so that we can know that He is never too busy for us. It is important to note, that God pays attention as well as provides the answers! Scripture states repeatedly that God hears the prayers of His people. He listens.
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV)
“Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.” John 9:31 (KJV)
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 (KJV)
3. Teach me Thy statutes. A statute is an ordinance, limit, something prescribed or due. This statement shows that because the Psalmist enjoys a rich relationship with God, he is confident to make such a request. The request reflects a heart that is deliberate in deepening his devotion to his God.
I close with five essential components that underscore a heart that desires to bless our union with the Lord God.
Train (train yourself in righteousness)
Educate (educate yourself in God’s Word)
Apprehend (understand or perceive the greatness of God)
Commit (commit yourself to obedience)
Habit (form holy habits)
When we make declarations about God, it should reflect our devotion and dependence on Him.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR