More observations from the trip

"I had promised to share some of the insights I had while away from the routine, which is what the trip provided.  A church friend of mine once commented to me after returning from a three month trip overseas to care for a family member, "I forgot how distracting the routine can be."  More than once those words have challenged me to resist the narcotic effect of routine.  Trips and times away can be a refreshing reminder that there is more to life than the pattern we have sunk into.

Part of my pattern was strongly challenged on this trip.  When on a motorcycle in the middle of God's beautiful creation, the words of Psalm 19 are so evident, as the sky and all creation speak of God, His Power, Majesty and Love.  But now I am back in somewhat less scenic Delaware.  That doesn't mean that God isn't speaking to me, it just means I need to go where I can hear Him.  And that is where my daily routine needs a challenge!

God speaks to us most powerfully through His Word, the Bible.  Sadly, that part of my routine has been sorely lacking.  Challenged by that reality, I have taken the first half hour at work to praise God at the piano, and read the bible.  It has been a fountain of refreshment in a season that needs it.

The first part of scripture I was drawn to was Psalm 119, the longest chapter in bible.  I have often pledged to read and study this Psalm, but reading often turned into skimming, and I never did a full study of the Psalm.  Today, I finished my first full reading of the Psalm.  It took three days, as I would set it down when the brain started to fuzz out.  

Brain fuzz was very easy in reading this Psalm, because it basically says the same thing for 175 verses, "I cherish your law, your precepts bring me joy, I cherish your commands. (my horrible paraphrase)"  Now, that is something we need to hear.  Joy does come through obedience of God's Word.  His laws are a pathway to life.  But the human side of me started to get frustrated with the Psalmist.  He would say things like,

 

"I will always obey your law, 

    for ever and ever."

and

"This has been my practice:
    I obey your precepts."

and it would frustrate me.  No one, save Christ, has a spotless record when it comes to obeying God's law.  If David is the Psalmist, which there is good reason to believe he is, I know your story buddy boy!  It was not your practice.

Part of my indignation was probably connected with my own failings.  I want to be that kind of man, who joyfully seeks out God's path, God's truth, God's law, and follows and obeys it joyfully.  Far to often I find myself running to the other path, the path of selfish indulgence.

But my frustration was given hope, when after 175 verses of, "I will follow your law, teach me to follow your commands", we are given verse 176, the last verse of the Psalm:

I have strayed like a lost sheep. 
    Seek your servant,
    for I have not forgotten your commands.

Oh words of life!  I resonate with that statement.  Sometimes at the end of a long argument with God about my righteousness and injustice, the look in the mirror moment is necessary. And the only conclusion I can come to is, "I have strayed like a lost sheep." "Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."  

The aspiration of the prior 175 verses of this Psalm are right, and good, and what we should strive for.  I hope to see that more prevalent in my life.  However, when we fall short, and we will fall short,  don't hesitate to call out to God, "I have strayed.  Lord, please seek your servant!"

I am going to take the next few weeks on a slower trip through the Psalm, with the help of scholarly works.  I look forward to sharing what God shows me, and I encourage any insight you wish to share.

Peace to you all in the name of Jesus