David makes a bold and declarative statement that we should state! I shall keep Your statutes! I shall obey God’s Word for it is holy and God is holy! I will be holy as God is holy. However, the Psalmist also knows that he is a man. He is a creature. He is in sinful flesh and therefore can’t do this alone. He asks God not to forsake him, demonstrating that he will need God’s power.
Word Study
Keep – to keep, to guard, to observe, take heed to, shepherding language.
Statutes – God’s decree, ordinance, law, regulation.
Forsake – leave, abandon, permit, loosen, leave behind.
Utterly – exceedingly, greatly, vehemently, wholly.
In the context of what the Psalmist is writing, it is not speaking of the covenantal forsaking that God would do to sinful Israel. So, a complete or permanent forsaking is not in view here. I think the Psalmist uses a negative expression to plead to God for a positive result. He is saying, “I need you, God! I need your grace! I need your power!”
Applying This Daily Bite
- How has God’s grace impacted your life?
- Do you start each day with a commitment to keep God’s Word?
- Have you asked God for His power in your life?
Praying This Daily Bite
Lord, I come to you a sinner saved by your grace! I know your grace! I need your grace! I need your power in my life! I will keep your statutes! I will obey your law! I will follow your Word! Lord, teach me your statutes. Lord, create in me a clean heart to obey and love your precious Word.
