Psalm 119 With Matt Chandler: A 10-Day RightNow Media DevotionalSample

Day 9: Psalm 119:153–168

It’s easy to get distracted nowadays. With texting and the many other distractions we deal with regularly, we can often lose sight of where we’re heading. It can make for a quick laugh, but it can also be serious. As we’ll see in our session today, that’s true of our spiritual lives as well. We have to be disciplined about lifting our perspective and fixing our eyes on God.

Reflect

In this passage, David has remained committed to God’s Word and strives for obedience, yet he looks around and finds his enemies succeeding in their plots against him, which causes him to cry out to God. In what ways can you relate to David’s sentiment? What are some ways you’re prone to this kind of discouragement, and where do you turn for hope in those times?

Despite his discouraging surroundings, David finds awe in the Word of God. As he studies and reads, he is exposed to God’s glory, which helps to focus his attention on what’s most true and away from what’s distracting. When have you experienced a deep sense of awe for God? How did it affect you? For what reasons does having an awe of God help us to focus when we’re distracted by things that are less important or untrue?

Respond

As Christians, one of our constant temptations is to focus on our performance and lose sight of the righteousness we have been given through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Whatever doubts or fears we face, or whatever distractions divert our attention, cannot be defeated through our efforts. They fade only when we see and stand in awe of the beauty of our Savior. So, let Scripture lift your gaze.

Today, as you study and seek to obey God’s Word, ask God to fix your vision on Christ who is your righteousness by faith.