Living in the Spirit

July 28, 2023

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:129-136
Your decrees are wonderful;
   therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
   it imparts understanding to the simple.
With open mouth I pant,
   because I long for your commandments.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
   as is your custom towards those who love your name.
Keep my steps steady according to your promise,
   and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from human oppression,
   that I may keep your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant,
   and teach me your statutes.
My eyes shed streams of tears
   because your law is not kept.

This is a beautiful conversation with God. A very human one. It first, recognizes the importance of God’s decrees and then deals with the all too human beings that we each are trying to live up to them. I must confess I do not know if the phrase Redeem me from human oppression means the person praying is being oppressed or has or is oppressing others. Both are applicable. The parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) describes that reality. We can both be oppressed and be the oppressor. Thus, it is important to maintain a close relationship with God and a routine of daily self-examination of our actions and attitudes.

Prayer: Lord, save your people from oppression and cleanse us from being oppressors. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.