“But I refused to abandon your commandments.”
Have you ever had a 2-year-old give you their most adamant “No!”
With a determined look on their face, the toddler confidently declares a refusal that leaves no room for debate. It’s a small moment, but the strength of their conviction is truly impressive! God help us all when we enter those types of conversations, whether with a toddler, tween, teen, or full-grown human!
I recall several pivotal moments in my life when my resolve was unwavering. These were times when I stood up for a cause, determined to change behaviors, or refused to back down no matter the obstacle. Each instance of my steadfastness was preceded by pressure, injustice, a deep sense of disgust, or strong conviction. These feelings became the driving forces that fueled my determination.
David’s resolute commitment to the Word of God is evident throughout Psalm 119, but there is also evidence of pressure present. The type of relentless pressure from others that often causes us to cave rather than stand our ground.
How can we have the same resolute commitment to God’s Word?
Unwavering Commitment
The number of people who were hostile, disruptive, and opposed to David’s life and mission would be unbearable for most. Like many of David’s psalms, he incorporates his internal struggles with others into his poetic prayers.
Psalm 119:87 illustrates the depth of his struggle with these people:
“They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments.” (NLT)
“They almost wiped me from the face of the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.” (NIV)
Most of us struggle to remain composed under extreme pressure; even fewer can do so when their lives are at stake. In these verses, David’s unwavering commitment to God’s Word remains steadfast, even in the face of a near-death experience at the hands of others.
Why would David reaffirm his commitment to God’s Word when his life is in danger?
Think about it. Many negative people in our lives are also highly influential. They can surround us with their ideology and begin to sway our beliefs if we do not have the iron will to resist them.
The Hebrew word for abandon (NLT) or forsaken (NIV) is “azab.” The word can also be translated to depart from, leave behind, or desert. These definitions point to how David was tempted to step away from God’s commandments, like the arrogant individuals who mocked him and sought to harm him. He could have retaliated in a way that would have been self-protecting, out of anger, and ungodly.
His choice to reaffirm his commitment to God’s Word tells us he was making a conscientious choice to respond in a manner that would honor God.
In our darkest hours, we are often tempted to question where God is, take matters into our own hands, and diverge from God’s path for us. A resolute dedication to following God’s Word helps us reign in our feelings, clarify the other voices we may hear, and stay on track with God’s best for us.
Can we say that despite the difficulties we have faced, we stood our ground and did not turn away from what God says? “They had almost destroyed me on earth, but as for me, I did not turn away from Your precepts (Psalm 119:87, AMP, bold added for emphasis).
No matter where we are in life—whether in difficult times or in periods of peace—it is always a good time to renew our commitment to following God’s Word wholeheartedly. In fact, making this resolution during good times will certainly prepare us to be stronger when hard times come.
I pray that your commitment to God’s Word is unwavering. That you find comfort, wisdom, and direction for the season of life you are currently in. May God lift His Word off the page, seal it in your heart, and deepen your passion for His Word, which never becomes old but always refreshes your soul. So be it, in Jesus’ name.
Meditate: God’s Word revives me.
Reflect: How strong is your commitment to be in God’s Word? Are there ways you could be more dedicated to being in His Word? Have you fallen prey to the influence of the world that other things are better, important, and louder in your life? If so, in what ways? Ask God to make His Word come alive to you, to be a refreshment to your soul, and to quicken your desire for His Word above all other influences.
Deeper: (As you read through these additional verses, ask the Spirit to give you wisdom and teach you more about how vital a commitment to being in God’s Word is.) Psalm 119:81-88; Psalm 119:25, 37, 107; 2 Peter 3:8-9
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(Bible References: NLT – New Living Translation, NIV – New International Version, AMP – Amplified Version)
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