21 Days of Prayer in Psalm 119 (Day #12)

Read Psalm 119:89-96

     “Appointment”

The verses that caught my particular attention this morning were verses 90-91,

Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
    you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,    for all things are your servants.

As a result of the conservation movement in the last half-century, we have become very aware of a number of endangered species of wildlife and plants and have taken pains to preserve them for future generations. In some cases, animal populations have bounced back so vigorously that they have been removed from the endangered list. This passage today is reminding us that not only will God’s word never pass away, but that the faithfulness of the Lord will never become “endangered.” It endures the world’s faithlessness and touches all generations with the abiding promises of God.

This reflection of God’s faithfulness leads me to consider that to which his faithfulness extends. It is because of the Lord’s decree, or as the ESV translates the Hebrew word (מִשְׁפָּט mishpâṭ) “appointment” that the earth and all things stand fast. He is the solidity of the universe. He is the creator and sustainer of all things...including us.

 As Paul writes to the Colossians about the preeminence of Christ,

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Col. 1:15-17)

Everything in creation does that which the Lord appointed it to do…with one exception. Human beings chose to do what they wanted and broke the perfect harmony in creation through their self-love and desire for autonomy. Will we choose to step out of the rushing current of fallen patterns of existence to truly begin to live in the light of Christ’s marvelous grace? The psalmist does just that. He renounces ownership of himself and repents of any human pride and self-sufficiency. He knew whose he was and what he needed, “I am yours; save me...” (v.94).

O Lord Jesus, you who through your complete obedience made salvation possible for those of us who fall short, we recognize that we are yours and put our trust in you alone. Please keep us from making up ideas about you that are contrary to your word. Quicken our delight in your word because it tells us more about you, your care for all of creation, and your loving plan for us. Soften our hearts to respond to your direction as the psalmist, “I am yours” and strengthen our hands to serve you faithfully as part of your new creation! Amen.