Reading: Psalm 19
Scripture: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring for ever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. (Psalm 19: 7 – 10)
Reflection: The words, “the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul”, suggest that the writer has experienced the refreshing restorative energy that obedience to God’s Word and law provides. The psalmist cannot help but share that energy and has chosen to do so, using the rich poetry in the psalm. Many a believer can testify to the joy and peace of mind, that refreshing energy that they experience, that becomes a part of their reality as they live their lives in accordance with His Word.
The first three verses of the text focus on the rules, guidelines, and the commandments given to us by God to help us understand and walk the path He desires for us. How closely are you able to follow the commandments as you journey through life? Have your challenges changed in the context of the current “new normal”? Regardless of how good we are, or think we are, there is always room for improvement in our behaviour, perhaps, even more so now.
So many of our brothers and sisters are alone, lonely and fearful at this time, and now, more than ever, are uncertain what the future holds. Some are experiencing physical, financial and emotional hardships. This may even be our story, but, in all of this, we are called to show love for our fellowman. This concept has a nice ring to it, but we must ask ourselves, what this means in real tangible terms. What should we each be doing in these times to show genuine love and care for our fellowman? The pandemic has created the perfect opportunity for us follow His command, that we love one another and be our brother’s keeper. So, in addition to wearing a mask, and practising physical distancing from others, we must also show we care by bringing the Good News to those unfamiliar with His Word; we must encourage and bring hope to the hopeless, and share with them, aspects of our faith journey through our testimonies of spiritual growth.
The sharing can only be meaningful if we start with our own honest introspection and reflection on the Word of God and how closely we have followed His command, for we cannot truly share that which we do not have. Are we ready to share?
Meditation: “Almighty God, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Word. May it be a lantern to our feet, a light to our paths, and a strength to our lives…” (CPWI, Book of Common Prayer (BCP), Prayer of Dedication, page 47)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep us in step with Your Holy Word. Open our minds and our hearts to receive Your direction and to respond to Your calling, that we, like the psalmist, may find Your Word more to be desired than gold and sweeter than the honey of the honeycomb. Amen.
The St. Jude’s Writers
St. Jude’s Church
Stony Hill
Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands
09 March 2021
