Psalm 119:18 declares: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” This verse has gripped me this past week. It became my prayer: “Yes God, “open my eyes.” I want to understand and know everything you expect me to learn, know, and understand from Your word. Teach me.”
There are 30 verses in the ESV, where those two words, “teach me” are found. Here are 11 examples of them:
- Job 6:24: “Teach me and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.
- Job 34:32: “Teach me what I do not see; if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more?
- Psalm 25:4: “Make me to know your paths O LORD; teach me your paths.”
- Psalm 25:5: “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”
- Psalm 27:11: “Teach me your way O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.”
- Psalm 51:6: “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”
- Psalm 86:11: “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”
- Psalm 119:26: “When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!”
- Psalm 119:29: “Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law.”
- Psalm 119:66: “Teach me good judgment and knowledge for I believe in your commandments.”
- Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”
I just pulled out an old letter; I had received when I was 24 years of age. It was from a dear woman that had been my mentor. God instrumentally used her in having an impact on my life at a critical time. She was God’s person that He chose to teach me to draw close and love the Lord with all my heart, and to learn everything I could from His Word. Margaret passed away years ago from cancer, but Margaret Hanson, and I stayed in touch through letter writing after I became married and started a home of my own. She was a great women’s Bible study teacher and led many women to Christ, to accept Him into their life. In the one letter that I still have, she said: “At times giving out and giving out can be discouraging . . . Isaiah 55:11: “My word that goes out of my mouth shall not return unto me without effect; it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I sent it.” All the Lord requires of us is obedience and faithfulness, and after all, He’s the one to get the glory.” How I miss Margaret.
I have so much more that I want to learn and know from God’s word. There is always something new and fresh to ponder when reading the Bible.
Job, and the writers of the Psalms, both asked God to open their minds, to give them insight beyond their abilities of understanding.
Paul, in Ephesians 1:16-17, and in Colossians 1:9, asked God to give the saints wisdom into God’s Word and the saving knowledge of Him.
When we know how to apply full scriptural knowledge, epignosis, then we will know God’s will for our life.
Don’t we all get so caught up with work, family, friends, and just living real life? Life throws us a curve ball and we don’t know what to do. Recently I was not sure what I should do about a particular situation. I thought hard. I asked a close friend for advice. I went to God and asked Him. Then I saw how Job, the authors of Psalms, and Paul, all asked God to “teach them.” Here is the list I came away with that I want God to teach me as I pause, reflect, and have Him teach the following to me. Then the natural outcome will be: Growing in discernment, knowledge, wisdom, and make wise choices:
- Understand when I have gone astray. I want to arm myself with the mind of Christ, in true righteousness and holiness. May my heart be continually transformed.
- Teach me what I need to see and know from Your Word. Don’t let me miss anything.
- Assist and bless all my endeavors. Make them multiply.
- Help me to “get it -” wisdom from God. May my brain process it all correctly so I may have it hidden in my heart, so I will have total obedience from knowing what is true. Understanding will follow later.
- May I have good judgment and discernment from the knowledge learned from your Word (epignosis knowledge).
- May I be sensitive and aware of the Holy Spirit’s nudges and may I not neglect and be fully aware of your leading in the way I should go.
You may be thinking, but wait! I don’t have time in my day right now to sit still and pour over chapters in my Bible to gain more knowledge in God’s Word. It sounds wonderful, but I am exhausted. I would like to, but I can’t seem to fit it in!
It doesn’t require hours of study. Carry verses in your purse to pull out while waiting in line. Or turn on a Bible ap, such as YouVersion, while doing dishes or putting on your make-up, and have it read the Bible to you out loud. Subscribe to a verse for the day. Write out a verse on a post-it note and stick it on the mirror for you to read while you brush your teeth. It doesn’t have to be anything huge. Just one verse at a time will work. Feeding your mind truths of scripture is what counts.
Question: Are you in full realization of opportunities God is giving you to grow in your relationship with Him?
Question: What does God want to teach you this coming week? Be on the lookout as you become His masterpiece.
Question: How has God opened your eyes recently? What verse has He used to do that? Ask Him for one.
When we have an increase of knowledge about the truths found in God’s Word, we then have an increase of our faith in Him.
My prayer for today: God thank you that when Jesus died on the cross for my sins, He did not hold any grudges. He dropped it. I want to be continually sensitive to your guidance and leading in the tasks I am responsible for today. Thank you for your unconditional love and patience. You are my teacher, my rock, fortress, refuge, stronghold, and deliverer. Thank you for your sustaining grace and mercy in my life. “Open my eyes so that I may behold wondrous things out of your law (Psalm 119:18).” I bless Your name, and lift you high, as my God and King.
Listen to “Masterpiece” by Danney Gokey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJMQdJeqXrs