“When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!” Psalm 119.26
Yesterday, we looked at how God gives life according to his Word. In this verse, the psalmist continues that line of thinking, pointing out the close relation of prayer and the study of Scripture. Specifically, he speaks here of confession.
If we are to come to the Lord and know his Word, we must come with a heart of confession. We can have to pretense of keeping any secrets from the Lord. We particularly can hide no sin from him. The psalmist models confession here and show the result of humble submission. The Lord hears and answers him. What an amazing grace it is to know that we can come to the Lord, confess our sins, and be confident that he hears and answers us.
Then, the psalmist goes on to request again that the Lord teach him from Scripture. He confesses his human ways and humbly desires to learn the ways of the Lord. This is a great model of humility and repentance. It’s a model we should follow, confessing how our life does not line up with God’s Word and crying out for God to teach us his ways.
How often are your prayers filled with confession? In what ways are you refusing to submit to the Lord’s will in your life, as found in his Word? How do you express your desire for the Lord to teach you his ways?
O gracious Father, we confess our sin, that there are ways we defy your word and your will. Hear us, dear Lord, and teach us your ways. May we align our life with the teaching of your Word—for the glory of your name. Amen.