A Way of Life

RTG Index | Lectionary Overview

Scripture: Psalm 119:1, 14, 37, 59 and 168 (NRSV)

Hello! I'm Henry Neufeld, president of Pacesetters Bible School, with today's Running Toward the Goal.

Today again we continue looking at various terms for God's word from Psalm 119 as we talk about "ways." I read a scattering of verses that use this term from the Psalm.

There are two words that are used for way. One "Derek" which we're discussing today. The other is 'orach' and we'll be discussing it later.

"Way" is the broader term. It refers to the way in which we behave. For example, Psalm 1 tells us that the man who doesn't stand in the "way" of sinners is blessed. What does it mean to stand in the way of sinners? One might almost get the idea that we're not to obstruct sinners in their activities. But actually it means that we are not to take our stand in the type of behavior and lifestyle that sinners pursue. Instead, we are to take delight in God's laws, in God's ways.

Those whose "way" is blameless are those who walk according to God's instruction.

We think of God's ways. We meditate in the ways of God. This is one of the means of learning and gaining wisdom. In a previous program we talked about the simple commands. Meditating on God's ways is much more demanding than simple taking a command and obeying it. It demands that we focus our intelligence, our wisdom, and all our ability in understanding the way that God works. We know that we cannot fully understand the ways of God, but nonetheless, we stretch our minds in the right direction, seeking as much understanding as possible. Paul speaks of "knowing the unknowable" (Ephesians 3:14-19). God wants our obedience, but he also wants us to grow and learn and understand more and more.

At the same time as we meditate on God's ways, we can present our ways to God. You might say, "But God already knows my ways." But this is a new stage of obedience. Not only do we obey the simple commands, but we ask God, through the Holy Spirit and his Word to enlighten us about our own ways. This is a powerful part of any prayer life. Let your prayer become a conversation with God about your life, your *way*. Let your thinking, your every thought, become communion with God.

One writer has expressed this understanding this way:

"Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, 'Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.'"

Give new meaning to expanding your mind! Expand your service as well!

In many places, the way in which we walk is defined by one of our other words, such as the way of God's decrees or the way of his laws. We are not escaping from God's simple commands through these deeper ways of knowing God. We are increasing our understanding and our commitment, and we will likely find that there are more ways in which to obey God, rather than less.

Most importantly, however, we gain life in God's ways. In Deuteronomy 30:15 God tells the Israelites that he has placed before them a way of life and a way of death. He calls on them to choose life. You may be wondering how one would choose otherwise. But the way of life may often be demanding. It may even look dangerous.

But God invites us to continually surpass where we are today.

Keep pressing toward the mark!