A Look at Psalm 119

We are coming to the end of the year and a time where people start thinking about what changes they can make to start the New Year. These changes are what we refer to as resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions defined Resolve: (Dictionary.com)

to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full.

to come to a determination; make up one's mind; determine (often followed by on  or upon  ): to resolve on a plan of action.

Many people choose the New Year as the time to make resolutions because they see before them a new time full of hope and promise as described in the following: “I am the New Year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of

time. I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned during the past twelve months about life. All that you sought the past year and failed to find in is hidden in me; I am waiting for you to search it out again and with more determination. All the good you tried to do for others and didn’t achieve last year is mine to grant-providing you have fewer selfish and conflicting desires. In me lies the potential of all that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but didn’t perform, all you prayed for but did not yet experience. These dreams slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of an enduring purpose. I am the New Year. (author unknown)

Last week we looked at the resolution type statements made by David in Psalm 51 I will teach I will win I will sing

This morning we are going to look at some more of these resolution statements expressed by David in Psalm 119

Instead of grumbling over things we do not have, we should praise God for the things He has given us.

We need to constantly remind ourselves to stop and “Count your many blessings, see what God has done”

Let’s take a moment to read song # 392song # 392 Consider also the words of Ps 40:5 & Jam

1:17

All three of these verses David speaks of meditating on God’s precepts and His ways

We have a song in our books in which we sing and claim aloud “O How Love I Thy Law” Let’s turn and read song # 354song # 354

We can learn of God’s Precepts and ways through the reading of His word

We affirm our desire to read His word when we sing “Give Me the Bible” Let’s turn and read song # 500song # 500

Consider also the words of Ps 19:7 &1 Tim 4:13-16

David has mind up his mind that he will not forget the word of God because it has been a source of life to him

We must also remember and keep his word

We need to remember that we need Christ each and every hour of our lives

We emphasize this fact when we sing “I Need Thee Every Hour” Let’s turn and read song # 63song # 63

Consider also the words of Ps 86:1

David here is saying he will lead a life guided by the Lord’s commandments

We to must have our lives guided by the Lord

This thought is clearly expressed when we sing “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” Let’s turn and read song # 280song # 280

Consider also Is 40:29-31 and Heb 12:1-2

David loved the Lord so much that he could not help but speak of Him to others

David is confident to speak to others because He is not ashamed

We make this same claim when we sing “I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” Let’s turn and read song # 273song # 273

Consider also the words of Lk 9:26 & Rom 1:16

David expresses confidence in God holding him up and knew that those who loved the word of God found themselves “Safe”.

When you understand that beneath you are the everlasting arms, you can rest and feel safe (Deut 33:27)

We express this when we sing “Leaning On the Everlasting Arms” and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” Let’s turn and read song #402 and #137song #402 and #137

Consider also Ps 91:1-6 & Jn 10:27-28

The idea here is that David will follow the will of God forever

It should be the goal of each and every one of us to live a life following God’s will

We express our desire to do so when we sing “Trust and Obey” Let’s turn and read song # 326song # 326

As we enter into a New Year let us learn from some of the resolutions of David and make an effort not just to improve our physical life, but more importantly, let us resolve to improve our spiritual lives

If there is any need we can help you with this morning we invite you to make it known while we stand and sing # 325sing # 325