Today, we continue with our weekly input from Lucy Oyelade looking at the second section of Psalm 119.
‘Beth. How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.’ (Psalm 119:9-16)
The first word of each line in this section begins with the Hebrew letter Beth, which also means "house". Some have suggested that this section teaches us how to make our hearts a home for God's word.
We start with a question - how can a young person stay on the path of purity? The answer, by living according to the word of God. I'm struck by how much easier life would be now for many people - myself included - had they not allowed certain behaviours into their lives to start with. I'm sure we can all relate, and it's much harder to remove them once they have been let in than it is to simply never go there in the first place. But, it's not easy to avoid. The world tells young people that they are "missing out", and parades unhealthy dynamics and behaviours around in the media.
The solution, which is repeated several times - is knowing God's word. Having it in your heart and living by it, so that you don't go astray. Learning his word undoubtedly takes some time, and is a form of commitment to the Lord. But it gets more interesting, as the author speaks of rejoicing in the law. It seems a strange concept - how do you rejoice in rules? Particularly rules which seem to take you away from things that look quite fun.
As we discussed at a recent women's breakfast at CCP - happiness is fleeting and transient. Here one minute, gone the next. Most things the world would have us do are in the pursuit of that temporary state that is happiness. But God is not fleeting. He is forever. That is the reason we can delight in his word and the way in which he wants us to live, because his promises to us will live long after we will. Putting God and his will for us at the centre of our lives brings joy - and joy endures, regardless of life's ups and downs
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. NOTICES
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Good Friday Services 10:30-11:30
Easter Sunday Service
Beginning at 10:00 with hot cross buns
2. ICEBREAKER
‘What has God been speaking to you about from His Word this week and how has this helped you / affected your life?’
3. STUDY AND PRAY TOGETHER
During this series, we will be using the 'Prayers of Many' course by Mike Betts.
I encourage you to buy a copy of the book from: https://prayersofmany.org/book#buybook
If you need assistance in buying a book please send an email to the church office and we will happily purchase you a copy.
Please download the course handbook from: