I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
—Psalm 119:7
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
Praise is integrally connected with our character. For us to worship God properly, the intent of our hearts and the effort of our lives must show our determined desire to know and live his will as we reflect his holy character, gracious compassion, and faithful loving justice. While we will never do this perfectly, his grace covers us as we seek to live for his glory, and as the Holy Spirit is always at work transforming us into greater Christlikeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). However, we must never use God’s grace as a pretense to excuse spiritual laziness, intentional weaknesses, and persistent sins. True praise comes from an upright heart and a life aligned with our Creator’s loving purposes, and reflected in our knowing what he wants and obeying what he calls us to do.
My Prayer…
Holy God, I want to be more like you in character, even though I will never fully be like you in might or majesty. But, Father, I do want your values to be seen in my life. Please open my eyes and enlighten me as you transform me through your Holy Spirit. I seek to know your will in your Scriptures and live them obediently for you, and before you, in my daily life. Forgive me of my sin and please create a clean and holy heart, wholly determined to do your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
