Turn My Heart from Selfish Gain

God's Prophets Demand Justice
Amos Rails against Injustice


Rebuked for Selfishness

Psalm 119:31-40  The Message

^25-32 I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!
    Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded;
    train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out
    so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
    build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
    grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
    I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
    God, don’t let me down!
I’ll run the course you lay out for me
    if you’ll just show me how.

^33-40 God, teach me lessons for living
    so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
    my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
    I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
    and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
    invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
    promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
    but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
    preserve my life through your righteous ways!

For Reflection 

It is one thing to ask and yet another to wait and listen to the answer.  When God answers your prayer are you prepared to follow-up?  We ask for wisdom and when it arrives do we have the courage to act wisely?  We ask for courage, but do we act when God presents an opportunity to be courageous in God's name?  We ask for mercy.  Are we merciful?  We ask God for affirmation and assume that God will affirm who we are and we ignore God's affirmation of who we can become.

Pray

for God's wisdom.  Pray for God's affirmation. Pray for God's courage.  Pray that you will act wisely.  Pray that you will act courageously.  Pray that you will act in ways that will affirm God's faith in you.