Vol. 11 No.7 – March, 2013

Let Me Not Wander from thy Commandments

Bryan Gibson

 “With my whole heart I have sought Thee. Oh, let me not wander from Thy commandments” (Psa. 119:10). Impressive, yes, but even more impressive when you consider all that David had to go through, all the things that could have easily made  him wander. So take a few minutes to compare your attitude to  the one expressed here by David. Would any of the following cause you to wander from God’s commandments?

When Brethren Rebuke You: — David’s afflictions took many forms, including the rebuke he received from the prophet Nathan (2 Sam.12). Afflictions didn’t drive him away: they made him cling more closely to God’s commandments: “Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Thy Word…It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Thy statutes” (Psa. 119:67,71).

When Worldly People Make Fun Of You: — And make fun of you they will, if you consistently do the right thing (1 Pet. 4:4). David faced that, too, and here’s what he said about it: “The proud have me in great derision, yet I do not turn aside from Thy Law”(Psa. 119:51).

When Persecution Gets Even Worse: — When your enemies lie about you, seek to destroy your good name, or maybe even try to kill you. Would any of these cause you to wander from keeping God’s commandments? David experienced all these things, (Psa. 119:61, 78, 85-88,95, 109,110,157,161), and yet it did not diminish his resolve. “But I have not forgotten Thy Law…but I will meditate on Thy precepts…but my heart stands in awe of Thy  Word.. yet I have not strayed from Thy precepts”– David made all these statements in the midst of heavy persecution.

When Filled With Sorrow And Grief: — Such due to sickness, the death of a loved one, the unfaithfulness of a loved one, etc. Again, listen to David who experienced many occasions of sorrow: “My soul melts form heaviness, strengthen me according to Thy Word…trouble and anguish has overtaken me, yet Thy commandments are my delights” (Psa. 119:28,143).

When God Seems So Far Away: — When you get to the point that you ask: “When will Thou comfort me”? (Psa. 119:82). David certainly knew that feeling, because he was the very one who  asked that question. But look at the very next verse: “For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, yet I do not forget Thy statutes” (vs. 82).

When The World Seems So Attractive: — When it appears to offer more than Christ does. David was no stranger to the pull of the world, which explains why he may this plea to God: “Make me  walk in the path of Thy commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to Thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes  from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Thy way” (Psa. 119:35-37).

When “Smart People” Seem To Have Better Answers: — When their explanations seem to make more sense than the explanations found in God’s Word. As for David, well, let’s just say that he was less than impressed: “Thou, through Thy commandments, make me wiser than my enemies… I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts” (Psa. 119:98-100). David was wiser than any of these men, because he knew God’s wisdom.

Bottom line; don’t let anything diminish your resolve to keep the commandments of God. Don’t let anything shake your confidence in God or in His Word. “Forever, O. Lord, Thy Word is truth, and every one of Thy righteous judgments endures for- ever” (Psa. 119:89,160).

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