The Psalm of the Word (Part 15): Consistency

The Psalm of the Word

I hate those who are double-minded,
But I love Your law.

You are my hiding place and my shield;
I wait for Your word.

Depart from me, evildoers,
That I may observe the commandments of my God.

Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.

Uphold me that I may be safe,
That I may have regard for Your statutes continually.

You have rejected all those who wander from Your statutes,
For their deceitfulness is useless.

You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross;
Therefore I love your testimonies.

My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.

(Psalm 119:113-120)

This lesson will focus on the theme of consistency. Though the word is not used in these verses, the concept certainly is. If God’s word was not consistent, we could not trust it or follow it. But because it is consistent, it provides us with protection, sustenance, and safety if we follow it.
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The Psalm of the Word (Part 10): Life

The Psalm of the Word

Your hands made me and fashioned me;
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

May those who fear You see me and be glad,
Because I wait for Your word.

I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,
According to Your word to Your servant.

May Your compassion come to me that I may live,
For Your law is my delight.

May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie;
But I shall meditate on Your precepts.

May those who fear You turn to me,
Even those who know Your testimonies.

May my heart be blameless in Your statutes,
So that I will not be ashamed.

(Psalm 119:73-80)

God is our Creator – the giver of life. Understanding this fact should cause us to serve the Lord and do so in a certain way. Let us notice the connection between God being our Maker and our Master.
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The Song of Moses

Passage of the Jews through the Red Sea - Aivazovsky

After crossing the Red Sea and witnessing the destruction of the Egyptian army by the power of God, Moses and the Israelites sang praises to the Lord. The song recorded mentioned several reasons why the Lord is worthy of praise. As we consider these reasons, we should also recognize that God is worthy of praise for the same reasons today.

Let us briefly consider the reasons why Moses and the Israelites praised the Lord on this occasion.
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Joshua’s Challenge to the People

Joshua 24:15

Most of us probably remember Joshua’s statement: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). His mind was already settled. No matter what the rest of the people decided when he challenged them, “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve,” he was determined to follow God.

But what did serving the Lord include? What was he challenging the people to do? Notice Joshua’s entire statement:
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Great Faith and Little Faith

Walking on Water

Jesus spoke of some as having great faith and others having little faith. What is the difference between these two types of faith?

As Christians, if we examine ourselves, we will likely find similarities in both categories. Where we have great faith, we must continue. Where we have little faith, we must improve. The Hebrew writer said, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Hebrews 11:6). Let us consider the differences between great faith and little faith so that we can learn how to best please the Lord.
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Wherever the Tree Falls

Fallen tree

If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies” (Ecclesiastes 11:3).

Man often takes pride in his perceived ability to control events in his life and achieve his goals. While it is certainly good to work to improve ourselves and change our lot in life for the better, we must also understand that there are many things in life that are simply out of our control.
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Fear God and Keep His Commandments

Sunset by the sea

Solomon described conditions in life that are true from generation to generation. The sun rises and sets (Ecclesiastes 1:5); the wind blows and follows its circular course (Ecclesiastes 1:6); the rivers flow into the sea (Ecclesiastes 1:7); and “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). In the end, his conclusion was that man’s purpose was to “fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
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