Psalm 119:3

Psalm 119:3

Following His ways

Notice that the opening verses of Psalm 119 are about a journey. Verse 1 talks about those whose “ways” are blameless, who “walk” according to the law of the Lord. The verse before us now also speaks of those who do no wrong but follow His “ways.” In the context of the Psalm and the understanding of the Israelites to whom this was addressed, the ways of God could only be found by studying and understanding the Torah, in particular His laws and rules for mankind. Those who did so would find themselves becoming familiar with the attributes, characteristics, morals, qualities and purposes of the Lord. His ways are not beyond our discovery, they are clearly set out in His Word. Those who seek to know Him intimately will find themselves described as “walking with Him”. What an incredible journey, to seek to know God and to be like Him! No other religion lays down such a challenge or invites its supporters to become like their god, but our God beckons us to join Him on a life’s walk, and in so doing to learn to be blameless. This journey is not just about faith; it is also about intimacy and relationship. 

Of course, the ancient Israelites found the expedition incredibly difficult, in fact it was impossible! The covenant laws appeared draconian and incredibly detailed, learning them was, in itself, a lifetime’s work. Obeying them was even more demanding, which I suspect is why the Lord was so patient and longsuffering with His people. In truth, they could never be sinless and blameless, that is why, ultimately, Christ had to come and make it possible for sins to be forgiven and washed away and for seekers after God to become blameless by His grace rather than their own works. 

That does not, in any way, free us from seeking Him with all our hearts and from seeking to be blameless during our earthly journey with Him. This Psalm will assist us to walk faithfully and obediently and to enjoy the benefits of the Lord’s company; He who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. 

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