If only I were predisposed to keep your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, if I were focused on all your commands.
Psalm 119:5-6 (NET)
Father God, my soul is so aware of my failings this morning. As I delve into Your Word it shines a spotlight on how much I fall short of Your righteous requirements. What pierces my heart most is not just the fact that I do not keep them. It is the reality that I cannot. Though I try and try there is always something that happens – some thought I have, some words I say or some action I take – that not only violates Your Word, but also reveals how far from perfect I truly am. Then the words of the psalmist ring in my spirit, “If only I were predisposed to keep Your statutes!” Indeed, my soul exclaims with Paul, “O wretched man that I am! Who can deliver me from this body of death (Romans 7:24)?”
This morning I thank You for the answer to both Paul’s question and my soul’s dilemma – Jesus. Thank You for seeing not only my need but this world’s, and sending Your Son to do what we could not do and pay what we could not pay. In His perfection He became for me and all who call upon His Name our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). Through His sacrifice He paid the price for our sins. And by His resurrection He has become our justification (Romans 4:25). I no longer have to be ashamed of my inability to live a sinless life, but now can rush boldly and daily to Your throne (Hebrews 4:16) to find the mercy and grace that I so desperately need. And by Your Holy Spirit, Who was freely given to me to fill me, I know that I will be enabled to live better today than I did yesterday, a life more pleasing to You.
So Father, that is my prayer today. By Your power through the Spirit, help me to live today in a manner worthy of the calling You have placed on my life (Ephesians 4:1). Help me to flee from sin, love unconditionally, and pour my life out generously. Help me to live, love, and walk like my Savior. Enable me to let my light shine that those who see me might glorify You for the work You are doing in me and through me. I praise You this day in Jesus’ Name.