"Let my soul live, and it shall praise Thee; and let Thy judgments help me."
word for law - judgments; Both phrases of this verse is the petition of David for God to allow 'let', him do something. Let my soul live - death is certain for all, life is a gift from God; Our days are numbered. How long do we have? No man knows, only the Lord. then if we have lived in vanity; if we have lived for self; if we have lived for worldly gain; having squandered our money, talents and time. If we have nothing to bring in way of fruit, it may be you are compelled to pray this prayer, 'let my soul live'. For no man needs pray this prayer for selfish gain as Hezekiah did. Hezekiah prayed for longer life and God gave it. But what did he do with it? He had Mannasseh, the most wickedess king of all Judah. We are to live unto the Lord and die for the Lord. A soul that has not lived with eternity in view has failed in life. That soul that reconizes this may ask for life, for time.
But don't ask for selfish desires to see your grandchidlren grow up, or to make more money, or to keep from leaving your family or worldly desires and purusits. If you pray this prayer, 'let my soul live', then let it be wise and obedient unto the Lord. 'Let my soul live unto You, O LOrd'. 'Here am I, O Lord, send me, use me, fill me, take me, lead me, consecrate me.' And it shall praise Thee - David has made this statment before, 'the dead cannot praise Thee on the earth'; Once a believer dies, his praise is before Him. The testimony cannot be presented before the wicked and heathen. But here on earth we can offer praise as a witness to how great our God is. My life is to be used for His honoring and praising. there is nothing so humbling and wonderful as praising the Lord. Few know what it is or how to do it. And there is not just one way of doing it. But this one central truth must be the foundation - it is all about Him. If it turns into petitions, or supplications or self exaltation or interests then it is ceases to be praise unto God. Praise is filled with Scriptures that reveal Who He is, what He has done, demonstrations of His vast wonders and works, answered prayers that show His greatness. Songs are rehearsed that keep the focus on Him.
'How Great Thou Art'; 'When I survey the Wondrous Cross'; 'Holy, Holy, Holy' are hymns all about Him. Now when God answers a prayer, joy fills the soul. It explodes with praise and honor unto Him that heard and answerd the prayer. David offers a petition, 'let my soul live'. And everytime that God answered that prayer by delivering David, protecting David, helping David, and he lived for the next day; he offered praise. His life was a testimony of the Lord's greatness. Why? Becasue he was the man after God's Own heart. If we would live and praise Him than our hearts must be after His'. Let Thy judgments help me - word study, help; Another petition of 'let'; The Lord's judgments are His instructions of 'being weighed in the balances'. A judgment is that verdict rendered upon a soul. 'Seek Me and you will find Me'; 'Call upon Me and I will answer you' are examples of the dual aspect of God rendering judgment. We normally assocaite judgment with wrath and consequences of punishment. That is not always the case, especailly here in Psalm 119. the judgment can be benefecial teachings, edicts, and instruction. The soul that obeys and follows it finds great mercies and blessings.
The punishment and wrath come from those that walk contrary to God's judgments (laws). Keep in mind and prayers, God's faithfulness to fulfill His Word. "If you do this. . . then I will do this.' It is based on response that His judgemnts are determined. Life is in Him, death is thsoe that turn away. David's prayer is for His judgments to help him. If judgment was solely punishment and wrath then little help would be found. David is seeking for instruction, in keeping him on the right path and living the life that pleases God. 'help me' is one of the shortest prayers that can be offered or sought for. It is found several times in Scripture and is a great study for one's own prayer life. WE see that God's Word helps us. It accomplishes what the Lord desires. Let us seek this help. 'My help comes from the Lord.' Self helps are exactly that, God's help is the supernatural of His Divine Being.
And leaning upon the word of God helps the soul to seek Him Who is able to help us in all circumstances and sitautions. Holiness? Seek the Lord, Who is holy and He shall impart it; Sickness? Seek the Lord, Who is the Great physicain and is able to heal all infirmities; Sin? Seek Jesus, 'Who shall save Hsi people from their sins'; Anything and everything that we need in the way of help will be found in Him, Who is the Word of God. His judgments are given to teach us these truths and offer the help in day to day activity. Have you found it? ARe you seeking His help? Two phrases of 'let' to be found in us and our approaching unto Him for His service and glory. 'Seek the Lord and you shall live; praise Him and He will enrich you; obey Him and He will help you.' He is faithful and will complete it all for His glory!
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