“My mind is made up”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Psalm 119:49-72 (Forward, p. 40) CEV p. 630
In today’s passage our psalmist comes across as utterly dedicated to knowing and following God’s word and Law, no matter what. You might say that his mind is made up. But, just why would that be? It is becauseexperience has taught him that God is absolutely good and faithful and can be trusted. As he says in verse 64, ‘Your love is seen all over the world’, in verse 52, ‘your laws have stood the test of time’, and in verse 68, ‘You are kind-hearted and you do good things’.
And so, given God’s utter dependability, he has committed his life over to God, and interestingly (and importantly), this has produced a willing to obey, no matter what the cost or circumstances:
“You, Lord are my choice, and I will obey you. I pay careful attention as you lead me, and I follow closely. As soon as you command, I do what you say” (verses 57, 59-60);
“Give me wisdom and good sense. I trust your commands. Once you corrected me for not obeying you, but now I obey” (verses 66-67);
“I would rather obey you than to have a thousand pieces of silver and gold” (verse 72).
And regardless of the time (even in the night) or place (no matter where I am), he continues in this firm resolve (see verses 54, 55).
Yes, even when things are not exactly going according to Hoyle, not going according to plan, he still sticks to God’s plan, God’s promises and God’s word:
Pain, hurt, discomfort: no problem “When I am hurting, I find comfort in your promise that leads to life” (verse 50);
Conceited people, sneering & ridicule: again, no problem “Conceited people sneer at me, but I obey your Law” (verse 51);
Evil people: no, they don’t deter him either “Evil people may set a trap, but I obey your Law” (verse 61);
Lies & damage to his reputation: once again, no problem “My reputation is being ruined by conceited liars, but with all my heart I follow your teachings” (verse 69).
Interestingly, at least three times (verses 49, 50, 65) he mentions God’s promises, both in the past sense and in an ongoing sense. God has kept His promises in the past and so the psalmist is convinced that this will continue on unabated. And so, he is able to put his entire confidence in God, trust Him and do always as He says. His mind is made up to follow God and obey God, no matter what. May we, you and I, do likewise.
Forward notes: “The earth, O LORD, is full of your love” (verse 64a).
“It has been my privilege to be an Education for Ministry mentor in my home parish in Connecticut for more than 15 years. The four-year program invites people into small groups to learn, reflect, and wrestle with the Christian faith. During my involvement, I have seen lives transformed by the program. I mean that literally and use the word intentionally.
“My life and my faith have also been transformed by the experience. One of our seminar members has taught me so much about God and nature. This seminar member saved catalpa blossoms once from a tree in his yard and shared them with me. We looked at them with awe and wonder. They were so small, so ephemeral and beautifully fragrant.
“As the pandemic unfolded in April 2020, I remember looking at the flowers of spring blooming all around me. Even in lockdown, when I saw tulips, daffodils, new green shoots on trees, I felt God saying to me, ‘I love you, I’m here in this beauty, I will never leave you.’ The earth is indeed full of God’s love.”
Moving Forward: “Where do you see God’s love reflected in nature today?”