We have arrived at the last stanza of Psalm 119: 169-176.  My desire is that you have fallen more deeply in love with our God, His Word, and His work as we have studied this Psalm.  In these last verses, we hear the psalmist cry out to God, expressing a love of God’s Word, respect for His laws and commands, and dependence on God’s guidance each day. Do you hear the passion in these verses?  Do you experience the same desire for understanding of God’s Word?
 
When I take time to read a passage several times, the Lord reveals new ways for me to apply His truth to my life.  What I have written in these devotionals is just the beginning of what God has to say through them.  There is so much more in this chapter that God wants to teach us all.  During this study, I have prayed that the Lord has spoken directly to you; that He will make His Words new to you each morning.
 
Anamorphic art is new to me. I read about it first in “Our Daily Bread” on September 28 of this year.  Sheridan Voysey explained it this way:

“ Appearing at first as an assortment of random parts, an anamorphic Sculpture only makes sense when  viewed from the correct angle. In one piece, a series of vertical poles align to reveal a famous leader’s face. In another, a mass of cable becomes the outline of an elephant. Another artwork, made of hundreds of black dots suspended by wire, becomes a woman’s eye when seen correctly. The key to anamorphic art is viewing it from different angles until its meaning is revealed.” 

He went on to point out that Scripture is much like anamorphic art. 

“…the Bible can sometimes be hard to understand. But Scripture itself tells us how to unlock
its meaning. Treat it like an anamorphic sculpture: view it from different angles and meditate
on it deeply.”

Dig deep. Take your time. Take one portion of Scripture and read it over and over again until God speaks deeply into your heart. His message to you will likely change how you think and alter how you will behave. Make that portion of Scripture yours.
 
Lord, please open my eyes that I may see the wonderful things on your law. Help me understand Your words and discern how You want me to put them into action for every situation I face during this pandemic and in the years ahead.
 
“May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” 
Philippians 4: 7

Over the past eight months, our minds and hearts have been thrown into a whirlwind of chaos and confusion.  We hear conflicting reports about government policies, health conditions, and finances.  It is hard to know what to believe when these reports conflict.  Now more than ever, friends and family may be on opposite sides of an issue.  This type of struggle can cause our minds and hearts to cry out for peace.
 
Today’s scripture gives us a clear pathway to a peaceful heart, mind and life.  Take your Bible and turn to Psalm 119: 161-168.  Underline the phrases as we address each action we should take to achieve peace. The steps may be worded differently in the translation you are reading, but each will point to a well-defined route. You may see more steps than we will cover, so open your heart to what God may have for you.

• “Stand in awe of your Word”: When I read God’s Word I receive comfort, challenge, and insight and I fell thankful and blessed. At first consideration, I assumed the phrase “stand in awe” meant that I should hold God’s Word in high regard and with respect. Yes, that is part of it, but when I delved into the meaning of awe as used in this context, I discovered that this phrase indicated “trembling” and “fear of violating God’s Word.” Yes, there are consequences of disobedience.  I don’t believe our first reason for obeying God is to avoid punishment.  We need to have a healthy fear, much like children fear, but love their parents. Children do not want to disappoint their parents with disobedience.  Fearfully stand in awe of God’s Word, and He will bring you peace.    

 

• “Rejoice”: The Hebrew word is sûws (soos) or sîys (sece).  Its root word means to be bright, cheerful, to “make mirth.” Despite the circumstances, we need to REJOICE! Let the love of God fill our hearts, remembering that those who believe and trust in Him are given the undeserved gift of life and salvation from our sin.  This gift does not waver with our feelings.  God does not take away the gift of salvation based on how we feel. It does not matter what is happening in our life; we can rejoice in the Lord.  We may not be able to rejoice about the circumstances, but we can rejoice that God is with us and will help us through those situations bringing peace in a storm.

 

• “Love God’s Law”:  Fall in love with Jesus and His Word again.  The whole chapter of Psalm 119 repeats several times the benefits of loving God’s Word.  Falling in love with His Word comes by memorizing, internalizing, and living God’s Word. These instructions are given throughout Psalm 119. Learning to love God’s Word deeply will bring peace and calm to our life.

 

• “Praise God”:  The definition of the words rejoice, and praise are very close. However, remember to praise God for who He is, not just for what He does for you and others. Give Him glory for being God, and praise Him for His attributes. (never changes, self-sufficient, all-powerful, all-knowing,  always everywhere, faithful and many more).

 

• “Obey God’s Word:” And yes, loving God leads us to obedience.  Doing what He asks of us proves the depth of our love of Him and His Word.

 
                If you feel unsettled and not at peace, review the steps laid out in Psalm 119: 161-168.

Throughout this study of Psalm 119, we have learned that the author highly regarded God's Word.  He held it dear to his heart and repeatedly declared his belief in, and faithfulness to scripture.  Verses 153–160 are no different. These two verses specifically express the writer's feelings for God’s Word.
 
               159 Consider how I love your precepts!
      Give me life according to your steadfast love.
            160 The sum of your word is truth,
      and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
 
We see the phrase "Give me life" mentioned three times in this stanza.  I was tempted to consider these words as only an acknowledgement that God is the giver of life and breath. But I realized that I needed to take time to meditate, ponder, and ask God if there was something more for me. Remember, when something is repeated, God is saying, "this is important, pay attention."
 
I reviewed the meaning of this phrase in commentaries, and I learned that "Give me life" can encompass many things; revive, restore, nourish, repair, preserve, and enliven are some translations.
 
So how do I want or need God to do these things in me?  How does He want to change me, and "Give me life" in 2020?
 
You may have already noticed that there are seasons of life. Some of the significant changes happen between childhood and teenage years. Then we become young adults. Some aspects of these "seasonal" changes happen gradually, like the fall leaves changing colour. Some changes seem to happen overnight. 
 
God has blessed me through many beautiful seasons of life. He led me to a Christian Academy for grade 12 in a different state, and then on to Bible College in another country. Graduation, marriage and parenthood followed close behind. These were all seasons that brought joys, struggles and growth. Life seemed to settle into a predictable flow for several years. And then, when I turned fifty, the world opened up. While some women, about that age, were saying they had paid their dues and were stepping back from ministry, God was beginning to open doors for me that I could not have imagined. 
 
Now, over twenty years later, I ask the Lord to "Give me Life." Renew my spirit within me. "Open my eyes so that I can see the wonderful things in Your Word"  Psalm 119:18.   
 
The Lord is answering those prayers.  He is still presenting me with opportunities to serve Him.  They may be much different from the ministry He had for me at thirty, forty and fifty, but meaningful all the same. While researching for a book that I am writing, God led me to scripture in Joshua chapter thirteen. In that chapter, we read that God called Joshua an old man. However, God did not tell Joshua it was time to retire. God told Joshua there was still much to accomplish. It doesn't seem God is finished with me yet, and He will always have ministry for me to do.
 
Are you willing to join me in this prayer; 
 
“Lord, repair me, nourish me, restore me. I am willing, and I want to be ready to serve you well. "Give me Life" so that I am prepared to influence others for Christ as I come to the end of 2020 and then onward whatever you have in store for me in 2021.” 
 
 
 "May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding,
keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4: 7

If you have ever loved someone, whether it be a friend, a parent, a child, or a spouse, perhaps you have said this: “I love you with my whole heart!”  These words indicate that we love with our whole being, with everything we have within us.  We use these words to let our loved one know that we will do anything, or almost anything, to show our love and bring joy to that person. 
 
However, this feeling can waver and fade over time.  It takes effort to keep love alive, fresh and real. Spending time with each other, keeping the lines of communication open, deferring to the other’s preferences, and quickly forgiving are ways to keep that love growing and healthy.
 
The writer of Psalm 119:145-152 says similar words when calling out to God for help.  He says, “With my whole heart, I cry out to you.” He is assuring God that with all that is within him, he loves and trusts God. The writer states this in several ways:

• He promises to obey (verse 145)
  
• He acknowledges the importance of communicating with God (verse 147 & 148)
• He declares God’s Word to be true (verse 141)
• He confesses that he has believed God for many years (verse 152)

 
We live in a time of uncertainty and confusion.  Is your relationship with God strong and growing so that you are able to live in victory over your difficult circumstances?  Are you able to say to God “with my whole heart” I promise to obey, I will spend time with You, I know Your words to be true? Do you trust God?  Perhaps, in the past, you were like the Israelites who continually turned their backs on God. But now, you are ready to change. Remember, Nehemiah wrote that God repeatedly forgave Israel.  Read Nehemiah’s words in chapter 9. Nehemiah 9:17 and 9:27-31.
 
God will quickly answer your prayer for forgiveness also. You may want to pray this prayer:
 
“Father, I know I have failed you in the past.  I believe Your Word.  I know it to be true.  I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died to take the punishment for my sin, and I ask forgiveness today.  I believe Jesus is reigning with You in heaven today.  Thank You for Your patience and forgiveness.  Guide me from this day forward. I say with the Psalmist: “with my whole heart, I cry out to you.”  Thank you for hearing me.
 
 
 “May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” 
Philippians 4: 7