October 25 Psalm 19

Yesterday during worship I was deeply moved by a song derived from Psalm 19. Psalm 19 begins with the declaration of God’s glory through His creation (v.1-6). Yet His revelation to men is not only through nature but also specific, provided through His law, statues and His word. Even though we do our best to abide by them, we cannot be free from errors and transgressions. This week I asked the Lord to show me how I can keep my thoughts pure and holy before Him. This is a challenge particularly when I am tired or stressed; now that my tolerance of both is much lower. Negative thoughts come up quickly and my mind often sways to no man’s land. God answered my question through verses 12-14:
“12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (v.12-14).

Indeed Lord I cannot discern my own errors (despite my effort to self examine and self-analysis). Forgive all the hidden faults that I am not even aware of or know how to deal with. I can only constantly seek after Him in this journey. “Willful sins” is also translated as “presumptuous sins” (NASB). As we humble ourselves before the Lord, we can be kept from much transgression. We rely on the Lord to bring us back - we need Him in order that “the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart” may be acceptable to you." [“Meditation” is also translated as “soliloquy.” I really like this translation because I do constantly murmur to myself and engage in self-talk]. So my resolution is to totally submit my thoughts to Him and trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance. He will correct me and forgive me when I humble myself before Him.

You can find this song on Youtube –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY0FHMME2dU

May the Words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart
Be pleasing to you my God.
You are my Rock and my Redeemer,
You are the reason that I sing,
I desire to be a blessing in your eyes,
Every hour and Every moment,
Lord I want to be your servant.
I desire to be a blessing in Your eyes.

Victor and I have a rather peaceful week. I am learning to boil Chinese herbal medicine each morning – it takes about 2 hours to do so. This keeps me disciplined to get up at 6 a.m. in the morning. I exercise and do devotion while the medicine is brewing in the kitchen. Then I am off to work.

It looks like we have to move soon because our landlord is selling the flat. He is kind enough to hold off putting it on the market until after my cancer treatment. I was quite anxious on Saturday because rent has been going up and there are few vacant flats available. The Lord reminded me how He had provided the best (apartment) for us during this time. We are therefore praying again for the Lord’s providence and His perfect timing – I am hoping that it would be at the end of our semester and after Victor’s mission trip in Dec. [Certainly it would be best if the buyer intends to keep this as a rental property!]