Focused Discipline

Welcome to Faith Connections Friday!

We are in a series for the next several weeks focusing on Psalm 119. If you would like to read ahead, read the entire psalm or a section each week. We are so glad you are here and hope you enjoy the series! Thank you!

The discipline of some people can be incredibly admirable. Their focus. Their determination. It can also be incredibly demanding for themselves (and maybe others) to keep up the pace.

The psalmist appears to be that type. A dedicated and disciplined person. He has an intent focus on knowing God and understanding and obeying God’s Word.

Our passage today is Psalm 119:57-64.

Can you understand and feel what the psalmist is experiencing? Do you notice the intense focus?

A few of points to highlight.

The psalmist recognizes that God is his portion (Psalm 119:57), which is the reward or the inheritance of life. And he makes it personal—did you notice it? God is his portion. All that matters is knowing God and building that personal fellowship time with Him. He seeks to know God with his entire being.

He goes on to express that as he ponders the direction of his life, he knows that God’s Word is the guidebook (Psalm 119:59-60). That is why he wants to seek Him so much. It is his focus. His determination.

That does not mean that he will not encounter challenges. Even when it gets tough, he still purposes to praise and thank God (Psalm 119:62). Can you relate? Have you been there? Even when you didn’t think you would make it? Wow! See the focus and determination? I love this reminder in Isaiah 43:1-4 that whatever we experience, God is there with us. He is faithful.

The psalmist also reminds us that we cannot do life alone (Psalm 119:63). We need others who also seek God around us for support.

Yes, there is so much richness in this passage. What is so amazing is that we can have that same personal connection with God and His Word. I hope you want it too.

Faith Connections Challenge: Think upon these verses. Hear what the psalmist is saying. Listen to his heart.