Pre·pare /pri’-per
to put in a proper state of mind; to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use or activity. – Merriam-Webster Dictionary
I read in Psalm 119 this morning. I really didn’t get very far, only four verses. Coffee in hand, Bible, journal and pen on my lap, I soaked in these four simple verses like the warmth of the February afternoon sun gaining strength as dormant winter nears its end, loosens its grip.
“Blessed…..” says word 1 of verse 1. Who doesn’t want to be happy?
Who is blessed? I ask myself.
“….those whose way is blameless“, answers the Scripture. Well that’s no one, says the uncaffeinated cynic in me. But the verse continues to clarify and correct my hasty thought….
“….who walk in the law of the Lord!”
“Blessed are those…..“, says verse 2.
There’s that word again. Happy. Tell me once more, who?
“…those who keep His testimonies….” Oh! How I long to do that better! cry’s my heart. But there’s more…
“…who seek Him with their whole heart, who do no wrong, but walk in His ways!“
I take another sip of coffee and let this word sink deep. It’s 6:00 am – before the day begins its race.
O Lord! I pray, Please help me to walk this way today – keeping your precepts diligently, walking in obedience to Your Word, seeking You for strength, grace, wisdom, forgiveness! Oh, but how?!
Then I’m reminded that I can’t, but there is One who can. My Savior who died upon a tree – He can, He has. He will enable me to walk in His ways, for today is a new day with new mercies breaking through like the morning sunrise, cleansing yesterday’s failings and sin, and setting me upon the path of righteousness once more.
The words from an old hymn come pouring in to my mind to warm up my cool unbelieving heart, “Yet not I, but through Christ in me…..” My eyes must rest there, upon Him, in faith. Then, and only then, am I put in a proper state of mind, made ready beforehand for some purpose, use or activity. Only then am I prepared for the day ahead. Sipping the last of my coffee, I whisper another prayer toward heaven’s throne and step forth into the day. In His strength alone I go.
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.” Psalm 119:1-4
The Light for My Path 