A Look at Psalm 119:59

Psalm 119:59 “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.”
 

David considered his ways. To be able to even consider our ways requires us to examine the freedom of our will. It is from this same freedom to choose our way that we may or may not choose to even consider our way. Much of the Christian walk constrains us to reshaping our will. 

Too often it is our will vs God’s will. Yet a person can exercise their will over God’s. They can, in the sense that Christianity does not demand that we give up our free will. Being a Christian means our will should be submitted to God’s, but you can choose not to do so. 

If God were to take away our free will, He would remove the whole essence of what a relationship means. The beauty of a relationship is the free will. If I were able to manipulate my wife’s life so that she had no choice but to live with me, what fulfillment would there be in that? The beauty of my wife’s relationship with me is that she has the freedom to leave but wants to stay with me. Similarly, God could manipulate us, but He is not interested in making puppets out of His people. He wants those who want Him. 
 

David considered his ways and then he turned. Turning obligates one to repentance. David repented of placing his will over God’s. I can easily relate to David here. Many years ago, I also considered the way of my life and realized that it was not God’s way. I was following the way of man’s reasoning. 

Scripture teaches us that there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is death. I was on that path of death because I had made a choice to live my life placing my will over God’s, in an effort to not have to follow His will. So, I turned my steps toward His statutes (repented) and gave my life to Him.
 

Take some time to let this verse sink in – chew/meditate on it; consider the “way” of your life. Does it line up with God’s way?

Continued