THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, April 5, 2024

Lord, the psalmist hid little from us of his internal battle with sin. Denying guilt, and trying to cover up his sins, created even more problems. Finally, he had enough. He came clean, tired of living with the weight of sin. He penned his famous “I will” psalm (Psalm 101), outlining how he would order his life to stay close to you. Denouncing his former sinful lifestyle, he vowed to live according to your principles.

Studying the sacred Scriptures became a daily “must do” for the psalmist. The Scriptures reveal your guidelines how we should live our lives pleasing to you. He found your instructions to be perfect, trustworthy, and true (Psalm 19:7–11).

By studying your Word, your Spirit exposes areas in our lives needing your attention. A major truth your Word reveals is if we are negligent in spending time with you in prayer and worship, we can easily slip back into our old lifestyle activities and possibly reactivate some old habits. Because your amazing grace forgives and makes new what our enemy Satan ruined, your Word opens our spiritual eyes to the hidden sins resting in our hearts.

Lord, the psalmist’s words mirror what all Christ followers should ask. I’m asking too. Faced with his shortcomings, your Word revealed how distant his actions were from your standards.

“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults” (Psalm 19:12).

“Cleanse me, oh, God,” he cried. The temptations to entertain some of his former sins was a lifelong battle. Again, my words mirror the psalmist’s words.

“Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me” (Psalm 19:13).

Lord, may we allow your Word to always guide our lives. Amen, Jesus.