Psalm 19:8 “The precepts of the LORD are right,”
[You, Lord, make the lines clear: this is right, that is wrong. And praise you that you do it as much in principles as in particulars, like, “honor your father and mother,” which can be lived out differently in different cultures.
Then you present us with the wisdom to know how to apply these principles in various situations in our lives, giving us guidance in the grey areas. “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God….” (James 1:5)]
“giving joy to the heart.”
[Knowing what is right and wrong brings security, for having clear boundaries lessens the stress of decision making—you never have to struggle about whether to rob a bank or not! Knowing truth brings joy, one of the pleasures you desire for us to have in growing amounts.
As you, Lord Jesus, said in John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Joy is there, offered to us for the taking–we just need to take your Word seriously, reject the tendency to complain and choose to live the truth that knowing Jesus is enough for joy.
Such joy does not come from circumstances (as happiness does) but from our relationship with you, which will never be altered from your side–meaning joy is always available, no matter how we may feel.]
“The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
[Your Word shines like the noon day sun, showing us the way, illuminating what is right and wrong, falling with revealing power on our path so we can know what could cause us to stumble and avoid it, it tells us where to step and what to reject]
So we can know what to avoid: do not lie; do not steal; do not commit adultery. And what to do: be faithful; be kind; forgive; love by obeying Truth; find your delight in God; do what is best; pray all the time.
There is no question about many things. And where it is not so clear and simple, you wholeheartedly give wisdom to discern and live in integrity.
Help us to walk in your light today, seeing and circumventing the traps that the world, the flesh and the devil have set for us. May we, by living in the light of your Word, be more than conquerors with you.]
