Letting Go of the Dust

 

Scripture

 Psalm 119:25-40

²⁵ My soul clings to the dust;
    revive me according to your word.
²⁶ When I told of my ways, you answered me;
    teach me your statutes.
²⁷ Make me understand the way of your precepts,
    and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
²⁸ My soul melts away for sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word.
²⁹ Put false ways far from me;
    and graciously teach me your law.
³⁰ I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I set your ordinances before me.
³¹ I cling to your decrees, O Lord;
    let me not be put to shame.
³² I run the way of your commandments,
    for you enlarge my understanding.

³³ Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
    and I will observe it to the end.
³⁴ Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
³⁵ Lead me in the path of your commandments,
    for I delight in it.
³⁶ Turn my heart to your decrees,
    and not to selfish gain.
³⁷ Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
    give me life in your ways.
³⁸ Confirm to your servant your promise,
    which is for those who fear you.
³⁹ Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
    for your ordinances are good.
⁴⁰ See, I have longed for your precepts;
    in your righteousness give me life.  (NRSV)

Devotion

 Clocking in at an impressive 147 verses, Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the bible.  It's also broken into 22 parts (one for each letter in the Hebrew alphabet).  Bible scholar James Limburg explains that the psalm is designed for people who understand life as a journey through a foreign territory.  The psalmist is making it clear that this world is not our final home...and that our duty as sojourners is to walk in the ways of the Lord as we travel through life.

Today's reading comes from the ד  and ה parts of the psalm (or as we would call them numerically, parts 4 and 5).  Here the psalmist admits that they need help sticking to God's ways. Because the psalmist is human, they find their soul wanting to cling to the dust--to all that is fleeting and full of sinful self-interest.  The psalmist knows, though, their obsession with the dust of the Earth is is something that must be overcome; their true focus should be on the breath of God that lives within them, calling them to follow God's ways as they sojourn through this life.  The psalmist asks God to help them turn away from their selfish desire to "get ahead" in this world world by teaching them God's ways.

Like the psalmist, we all cling to certain things in this world.  When we follow our own ways and our own desires, we inevitably fall into sin.   Even as we seem to be getting ahead in this world, our souls know that something is wrong--that we focusing on passing things and are in danger of getting lost on our journey through life.  If we are to truly follow God's way, then we will need help getting back on track.

The first step to getting back on track is by being honest about the ways that we have gone wrong.  The psalmist shows that have made such a confession, when they write:

²⁵ My soul clings to the dust;
    revive me according to your word.
²⁶ When I told of my ways, you answered me;
    teach me your statutes.
²⁷ Make me understand the way of your precepts,
    and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
²⁸ My soul melts away for sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word.

As readers, we are not privy to the ways the psalmist clings to the dust, but God them all.  The psalmist has told God all about it God and admitted how deeply sorry they are.  Because our faithful and merciful God has already answered them, they trust that God will give them the wisdom, commitment, and strength to follow learn and follow God's ways as they continue life's journey.

The psalmist presents us with both an opportunity and a challenge.  Do we trust God enough to tell the Almighty of our sinful and self-interested ways?  Are we willing to be honest about the moments when we put ourselves first or harmed others?   As I think back over the past week, I cringe at the number of times when I had sinful thoughts, said unkind words, or acted in a way that put myself above others.  I want to do better, but I know very well if left to my own devices, I am going to get more and more lost. The Good News is that when I admit my sinfulness to God and ask for help, God doesn't just forgive me; God also provides me with knowledge, strength, and commitment it takes to let go of the dust and cling to God's teachings.  Slowly but surely, I get better at finding my way forward.

 This Lent, let us commit to being honest about our sinful ways...both with ourselves and with God.  Let us also listen for the answers God will provide to us through the power of the Holy Spirit.  With God's help, we can learn to let go of the dust and cling to God's ways as we continue our journey through life.  Then, we will not be ashamed to stand before Christ when we reach our eternal home.

Prayer

 God, my soul clings to the dust.  I confess to the following sinful ways: __________________________________________________________________.  I ask that you help me let go of these things and cling to your Word so that I may follow in your paths of righteousness.  Enter my heart and answer me, I pray.  Amen.

Works Cited

Limburg, James. 2000. Psalms. 1st ed. Westminster Bible Companion. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press.