Scripture ReadingScripture ReadingPsalm 119:25-40Psalm 119:25-40

A Poet: Attentiveness to A Poet: Attentiveness to GodGod

Reflections for Renewal Series [2]Reflections for Renewal Series [2]Psalm 119:25-40Psalm 119:25-40

REFLECTIONS FOR RENEWAL SERIES

1. Mary: A Quiet Reflective Heart (Luke 1:26-56)

2. A Poet: Attentiveness to God (Psalm 119:25-40)

3. The Shepherds: Spreading the Good News (Luke 2:1-20)

4. A Sage: The Wisdom of Roots (Psalm 1)

5. Moses: A Heart of Wisdom (Psalm 90)

6. Paul: Training for Godliness (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

7. Barnabas: A Gift of Encouragement (Acts 9:19-31)

DISTRACTIONS: A SEASONAL HAZARD FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

• The Enemy of the Best: The enemy of the best is not bad things but

good things that distract us. Distractions of good things are a seasonal

hazard for the best thing [= spiritual renewal] during Advent/yearend.

• The Courage to Say “Bah Humbug!” is needed to keep our focus on spiritual renewal. To busyness and “margin-less”

schedules/days.

DISTRACTIONS: A SEASONAL HAZARD FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

• The Enemy of the Best: The enemy of the best is not bad things but

good things that distract us. Distractions of good things are a seasonal

hazard for the best thing [= spiritual renewal] during Advent/yearend.

• The Courage to Say “Bah Humbug!” is needed to keep our focus on spiritual renewal. To busyness and “margin-less” schedules/days. To consumerism and desire for more/better

stuff. To guilt-driven gift-buying and promises. To self-indulgence of too much food, sweets, or

entertainment.

DISTRACTIONS: A SEASONAL HAZARD FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

• Psalm 119 and the Poet: It is the longest psalm [176 verses]. It is an intentionally structured psalm

[acrostic of 22 Hebrew alphabets with eight verses for each stanza.]

Why all this structure? It was designed to cultivate attentiveness to God through God’s Word [= attentiveness is a cure for distractions!].

This psalm is one of the “orphan psalms” [no author’s name]. But, we can learn much from this poet’s deliberate attentiveness to God.

REFLECTING ON THE LESSONS FROM THIS POET’S ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD

1) If you aren’t ANCHORED BY SOMETHING SOLID, you will be drifted away from where you should be (vs.29, 30, 31, & 89).

 

29Put false ways far from meand graciously teach me your law!

30I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.

31I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;let me not be put to shame!

 89Forever, O LORD, your wordis firmly fixed in the heavens.

Psalm 119:29, 30, 31, & 89 

REFLECTING ON THE LESSONS FROM THIS POET’S ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD

1) If you aren’t ANCHORED BY SOMETHING SOLID, you will be drifted away from where you should be (vs.29, 30, 31, & 89).

 

How do we stop being drifted away? It is NOT by sheer self-will but by being anchored onto something.

For this poet, his anchor was God’s immovable, unchanging Word!

Then, the question for our renewal is this: “Am I being drifted away or am I anchored by God’s immovable, unchanging Word?”

REFLECTING ON THE LESSONS FROM THIS POET’S ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD

2) Attentiveness to God provides us with VIGILANCE AND DISCERNMENT amidst so many deceitful voices (vs. 32, 35, 37, & 164).

 

32I will run in the way of your commandmentswhen you enlarge my heart!

35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,for I delight in it.

37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;and give me life in your ways.

164 Seven times a day I praise youfor your righteous rules.

Psalm 119:32, 35, 37, &164 

REFLECTING ON THE LESSONS FROM THIS POET’S ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD

2) Attentiveness to God provides us with VIGILANCE AND DISCERNMENT amidst so many deceitful voices (vs. 32, 35, 37, & 164).

 

Being attentive to God revealed in Scripture changes our mind, values, and perspectives to God’s (Romans 12:2).

This renewing of our mind brings us a sharpened focus for vigilance and discernment.

Then, the question for our renewal is this: “Does my attentiveness to God show in my vigilance and discernment amidst so many deceitful voices?”  

“Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way.”

Psalm 119:37 [MSG]

REFLECTING ON THE LESSONS FROM THIS POET’S ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD

3) Attentiveness to God requires GOD-CENTERED LIVING through ups and downs of life (vs.26, 28, 39, & 57).

 

26When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!

28 My soul melts away for sorrow;strengthen me according to your word!39Turn away the reproach that I dread,

for your rules are good. 

57 The LORD is my portion;I promise to keep your words.

Psalm 119:26, 28, 39, & 57 

REFLECTING ON THE LESSONS FROM THIS POET’S ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD

3) Attentiveness to God requires GOD-CENTERED LIVING through ups and downs of life (vs.26, 28, 39, & 57).

 

Attentiveness is not a one-time impulsive attention but a sustained attentive condition as a way of life.

If so, we cannot merely add attentiveness to our lives; we must change our Center—around which we arrange ALL.

 

A Life of Unhurried Serenity, Peace and PowerWe feel honestly the pull of many obligations and try to fulfill them all. And we are unhappy, uneasy, strained, oppressed, and fearful we shall be shallow . . . Strained by the very mad pace of our daily outer burdens, we are further strained by an inward uneasiness, because we have hints that there is a way of life vastly richer and deeper than all this hurried existence, a life of unhurried serenity and peace and power. If only we could slip over into that Center!

- Thomas Kelly

REFLECTING ON THE LESSONS FROM THIS POET’S ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD

3) Attentiveness to God requires GOD-CENTERED LIVING through ups and downs of life (vs.26, 28, 39, & 57).

 

Attentiveness is not a one-time impulsive attention but a sustained attentive condition as a way of life.

If so, we cannot merely add attentiveness to our lives; we must change our Center—around which we arrange ALL.

Then, the question for our renewal is this: “Have I given up merely adding God to my life and started living a God-centered life daily? 

 

REFLECTING ON THE LESSONS FROM THIS POET’S ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD

4) SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER must be the primary means of our attentiveness to God (vs. 25, 36, 38, & 105).

 

25My soul clings to the dust;give me life according to your word!

36Incline my heart to your testimonies,and not to selfish gain!

38Confirm to your servant your promise,that you may be feared.

 

105 Your word is a lamp to my feetand a light to my path.

Psalm 119:25, 36, 38, & 105 

REFLECTING ON THE LESSONS FROM THIS POET’S ATTENTIVENESS TO GOD

4) SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER must be the primary means of our attentiveness to God (vs. 25, 36, 38, & 105).

 

This is the open secret of this poet’s attentiveness to God.

The temptation is to look for something more obscure in cultivating attentiveness to God [e.g., experiences, techniques, sensational venues, etc.].

Then, the question for our renewal is this: “What is my commitment to Scripture and prayer in my daily walk with God—how does it show?” 

 

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

1. Evaluate yourself whether you have been drifting away from God lately. The tell-sign of drifting is this: you have increasingly more of

yourself and less of Christ in your heart and daily life. You can stop it by anchoring yourself in God’s Word TODAY.

2. Restore your ability to have vigilance and discernment by God-centered living. Don’t try to merely say NO to things that distract your heart. Say YES to arranging your life around God as your Center.

3. Cultivate attentiveness to God in your daily life by recommitting to Scripture and prayer. Arrange your life AROUND a daily space for Scripture & prayer. Decide this now: What time will you meet with God tomorrow?