Psalm 119 - 16 - Ayin- Godly Motivation

"(Ayin) Don't leave me to the mercy of my enemies,
for I have done what is just and right.
Please guarantee a blessing for me.
Don't let the arrogant oppress me!
My eyes strain to see Your rescue, 
to see the promise of Your truth fulfilled.
I am Your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,
and teach me Your decrees.
Give discernment to me, your servant; 
then I will understand Your laws.
LORD, it is time for You to act,
for these evil people have violated Your instructions.
Truly, I love Your commands
more than gold, even the finest gold.
Each of Your commandments is right.
That is why I hate every false way." (Psalm 119: 121-128)  

Dear friend,

Notes from "Ayin": Godly Motivation

     I must admit that I am often very selfish in my prayers. "Lord, I need..." 

"I want..."

 "Please help me..." 

"Please give..." 

"Don't..."  

But isn't that what the Psalmist said here? (you may be asking)

     Yes, he used much of the same language. But, let's look at his MOTIVES:

• He has lived a righteous (note, that doesn't mean "perfect") life, and he doesn't want his unrighteous enemies to triumph over him (I need to examine my motives when I pray: do I want what I want for righteous reasons?);

• He is clinging to God's promises and watching for their fulfillment (I need to know, remember, believe in, and wait for His promises; recalling them should be a regular activity); 

• He depends on God to teach him more (I need to desire God and His Word, and to ask Him to teach me, not relying on my own widsom or learning);

• He asks God for discernment (I need to pray for this more: that I might know right from wrong, and good from best);

• He indicates that his desire for God's action is because of the unrighteous acts of the men, not a personal desire for vengeance (Again, my motives are in question: when I pray, am I concerned about God's glory, or about my own vindication? Do I want to "look good"?);

• He loves God's commands more than anything else (Do I?);

• His heart is set on the things of God, and not the things that temporarily give us pleasure, fulfillment or satisfaction (I need to examine not only what I am praying about, but also how I spend my time and my thoughts).

     You can practically see and hear the Psalmist praying as you read this passage. He is anguished, not because of his personal problems, but because He desires God more than life itself. Have you ever felt anguished over something? Have you ever desired something so much that it made you nearly sick? Have you ever lost sleep over a desire?

     

May our sleep be broken, 

our bodies be sickened, 

and our hearts be anguished

--for God and His Word!

 
Again in Psalm 119 we are faced with uncomfortable truths, and with choices.

• What do I really desire?
• Is God my utmost priority?
• What do my words, thoughts, and actions reveal about my relationship with God?

Heavenly Father, Again we see a desire and love for You that is unlike our own. Our hearts are too earthly-minded and self-absorbed. We thank You for Your patient love, and for the work of Your Spirit in our lives. We ask that You continue to work in us, to mold us into Your image. We want to want You more than all else!