HOW – WHEN – WHY – WHERE?

Saturday, March 9, 2019

HOW – WHEN – WHY – WHERE?

Ps 119:9-10

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

           The old English word “wherewithal” in the original languages is a primary interrogative including “why, where, when, and how.” In our text it focuses on one of the most important aspects of life – especially of youth. Just how can a young man or woman maintain a pure path?

           Youth is a tumultuous time! Nothing is settled and everything is laid out before you as options. Every drama is a melodrama and every problem is a tragedy. It is so easy to set aside the importance of a pure relationship with God in favor of other matters that seem more urgent.

           With so many things pressing in on every side, just how, when, why, and where can a young man cleanse his way? The immediate answer is both simple and difficult. We cleanse – and keep on cleansing – our path by paying attention to the instructions of the Bible.

           The psalmist follows up with prayer and dedication. We are to seek God with our whole heart and pray for guidance so that we do not wander from His commandments.

Ps 63:1

63 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Dear Lord, help all those who struggle to stay on the path – especially young people. Give us an inner thirst for you. AMEN