Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

Each of the 8 verses in the ‘He’ section of the psalm is a personal prayer:

According to Kraus there are three possible explanations of the principles that the writer is asking God to teach him. First would be the whole revelation of Holy Scripture in the Old Testament that was written up to that point. Today this prayer would include the New Testament. Second, it might have been referring to the Book of Deuteronomy (remembrance) that was especially important for the Jews who lived in exile in Babylon and did not want to forget God’s law. Thirdly, it might have been teachings from an instructor in a school of religious learning or a combination of all three points. 6 The prayer is a deep, heartfelt cry.

Give me- “Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart.” (34)

The three components that are necessary for effectively following God are found here. Without the three working in harmony, attempting to fulfill God’s commands would be an exercise of self-effort. • “your law” representing God’s Commands, the perfections of his word • “give me understanding” representing God’s Christ and the power of his grace • “I will put it into practice with all my heart.” represents mankind’s co-operation, obedience from a heart of love.

Make me- “Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.” (35)

The psalmist is praying that the divine influences of grace that flows from the Holy Spirit will over- ride his natural tendency to wander from the path of God. “If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:6) His eye is set upon the destination of happiness that results from obedience.

Give me- “Give me an eagerness for your decrees; do not inflict me with love for money!” (36)

Christ taught us that in reality, there are only two deities that people attempt to serve; one is real and the other is an illusion: “You cannot serve both God and money.” (24) The words “give me an ea- gerness”… means to tilt, or incline the heart in favor of. He is asking for a heart that always favors God and his word over an ungodly greed.

Turn me- “Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” (37)

Lot’s wife took her eyes off of God’s command to look back at the worthless city of Sodom: “But Lot’s wife looked back as he was following along behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Gen. 19:26) Life comes from setting our eyes upon Christ and his word.

Reassure me - “Reassure me of your promise, which is for those who honor you.” (38)

Reassurance is to deepen convictions that are already believed. After God had promised Abraham that he would be a Father of many nations he visited Abraham again and reassured him of his intentions: “Then the Lord brought Abram outside beneath the night sky and told him, ‘Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that–too many to count!’” (Gen. 15:5) Daily reassurance from his word strengthens our faith.

Help me- “Help me abandon my shameful ways; your laws are all I want in life.” (39)

This verse points out the struggle that exists in our soul and the constant need for divine assistance. A spiritual desire for his word is implanted in each person who is born again, and when that is nurtured and fed consistently, it will outgrow all other impulses of the soul.

Renew me- “I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.” (40)

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