Are You Prepared?

I must admit that I experience some anxiety whenever we prepare for a trip. My dad always espoused the motto "A good boyscout is always prepared" which generally meant you should be prepared for anything. Now that he is an octogenarian (80 years old) he realizes how many eventualities you need to be prepared for, so he carries a large back pack with him most of the time. Our oldest daughter has adopted the same philosophy which makes her an excellent aerospace engineer, but she still has to learn to pack lighter to become an astronaut.

But as we prepared to fly to Denver for our family Christmas celebration, my anxiety levels soared. Do I have all the presents? Will our luggage get lost so that we have no gifts? Is the suitcase too heavy? Will the TSA confiscate any of my belongings? Will we set off the security alarms at the airport? Will we be frisked? How cold will it be? How many layers of clothes will I need to stay warm? Will there be snow? (For a comic note: we had no snow in Denver for Christmas, but our Tennessee home enjoyed a rare white Christmas!)

I frequently had to stop and make myself breath and offer many prayers for protection. I also rehearsed many of the promises of God that reminded me that He is all I really need. When I quiet my troubled emotions I can hear His voice reminding me of all that is necessary, whether it is the promise of His protection, or even the reminder that He wanted me to share this possession with that person. Even when I am not prepared, He is prepared to handle me to accomplish His purpose in my life.

Unfortunately, when we consider God’s job in our lives, we think we are merely saved from hell and destined for heaven. But God has provided so much more for us. The salvation Christ offers is not merely for escape from hell, or membership in heaven. Rather, it is an invitation to a relationship with the living God! Through His great and precious promises He enables us to experience abundant life now and an eternal inheritance beyond comprehension.

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
     and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
     for those who love him."

But it we to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. —1 Cor. 2:9–12 (NLT)

Are you prepared to enjoy the wonderful things God has freely given you, or are you still trying to accomplish it all by yourself so that you continuously find yourself consumed by stressful emotions?

Presents for Jesus

What are you going to give Jesus for His birthday?

Micah 6:6-8 (NLT) gives you His wish list.

What can we bring to the Lord?

What kind of offerings should we give him?

Should we bow before God

with offerings of yearling calves?

Should we offer him thousands of rams

and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?

Should we sacrifice our firstborn children

to pay for our sins?

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,

and this is what he requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God.

I'm sure He will be delighted with your gift when you "do what is right, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Baby Jesus

I have been guilty of wishing my life away. When I was in elementary school I wished to be in Jr. High. When I was in Jr. High I wished to be in High School. When I was in High School I wished to be in college. When I was in college I wished to be graduated. When I graduated I wished to married. When I had babies I wished they would grow up. But I can't say that now that I am passing mid-life that I wish I were a baby!

Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God willingly became a human baby in order to pay the death penalty required on our behalf. Consider the sacrifice that was required to leave the throne of Heaven to become a helpless baby! I cannot image reverting from an adult to an infant! How much more inconceivable to move from having all power and authority to having someone change your diapers!

When you think of the sweet little Holy Child in the manger, do you consider the price He paid to be in a relationship with you? We may agonize as we witness the cruel death that He suffered. But the anguish of the cross can also be observed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ (Matt. 26:37-38 NLT)

He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. (Luke 22:41-44 NLT)

Jesus knew that when He became sin for us, His father would not be able to be in a relationship with Him for that point in time because God can have no part with sin. The crisis of the cross was that Christ had to face the penalty of sin without God. So glibly we pummel through our day striving to be independent, inconsiderate of the consequences. But Jesus knew the horror of facing even one minute without a relationship to God. He modeled a life that was totally dependent on God. The trauma of the tragedy was that He willingly sacrificed His relationship with the Father in order to be in a relationship with you and me!

So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. (Eph. 1:6-11 NLT)

Christ’s sacrifice does not automatically bring us into a relationship with God. We are faced with a choice. Who will be God of my world? By default Satan is the god of this evil world, but by choice God can take the throne in your life. You are free to make the choice to continue in your independence or to choose to live a life that is desperately dependent on God.

Your Relationship Status?

All sections of the Evaluation of Desperate Dependency have now been posted. As you have been considering Psalm 119 and evaluating each personalization statement, what are you noticing about your status as an individual who is desperately dependent on God?

Count all your marks. If you have completed all sections you have a possibility of 176 marks.

"I marked _____ of 176 verses."

Prayerfully consider which category authentically describes you currently and consistently. Of course, these are not hard and concrete determinations, because we are humans who are prone to error and deception that may cause us to evaluate ourselves either better or worse than God sees us. But the following continuum can offer a basic understanding of the status of your relationship with God and the direction you are heading.


Independent of God

• I am resistant to God working in my life. I want to be the captain of my own ship and determine my own direction. I am actually a very dependent person, but not dependent on God.

Searching for God

• I recognize I have a need for God in my life. I’m not doing so well at making it on my own. I am looking for solutions in my life and think God may be the answer. But I choose people, positions, and possessions to fill the God place in my life.

Desiring God

• I want to have a relationship with God, so I am attempting to satisfy that yearning. I think I know what God wants, and I want what God wants, so I pray and ask for mercy and deliverance, but return to my sins soon after. I find myself desperate, but not desperately dependent on God. I want to be dependent, but I’m just not there. I’m set on doing it my way.

Connecting with God

• I have a union with God that offers me fellowship. But I also have trust issues that result in fear and make me wonder, “If I turn everything over, what will happen?” I still have a long way to go, but I think I am on the right track. I am easily distracted from God’s purpose, but I am learning that He is faithful and continuously pulling me back to Him. I am learning to depend on Him only.

Desperately dependent on God

• I am not perfect, but I have an unwavering trust that He is the best and only option for navigating this life. He knows what is necessary for me, so I rely on His divine enablement for my personal empowerment as I pursue my greatest goal of glorifying Him. (If you believe you fall in this category, prayerfully consider if you actually completed the exercise honestly, or if you were merely choosing what you want to be true of you.)

If you are really brave and want to know more about yourself, you might consider asking someone close to you to complete the Evaluation of Desperate Dependency with you in mind. God does place people in our lives to assist us in our growth process. But if you are resistant to another’s assessment and feedback, there is the potential that your relationship will be scarred as a result. However, if someone completes the exercise on your behalf, your relationship may be strengthened because of the authentication of their commitment to your maturity.

1. So, what's your status?
2. What do you want your status to be?
3. What are you going to do to be Desperately Dependent on God?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Taw

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Taw
169O LORD, listen to my cry; / give me the discerning mind you promised.

I ask the LORD to listen to my cry and give me the discerning mind that He promised.

170Listen to my prayer; / rescue me as you promised.

I ask the LORD to listen to my prayer and rescue me as He promised.

171Let praise flow from my lips, / for you have taught me your decrees.

Praise flows from my lips because the LORD has taught me His decrees.

172Let my tongue sing about your word, / for all your commands are right.

I sing about the word of the LORD because all His commands are right.

173Give me a helping hand, / for I have chosen to follow your commandments.

I ask the LORD for a helping hand because I have chosen to follow His commandments.

174O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, / and your instructions are my delight.

I long for the rescue of the LORD because His instructions are my delight.

175Let me live so I can praise you, / and may your regulations help me.

I ask the LORD to let me live so I can praise Him, and for His regulations to help me.

176I have wandered away like a lost sheep; / come and find me, / for I have not forgotten your commands.

Even though I have wandered away like a lost sheep I ask the LORD to come find me because I have not forgotten His commands.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Shin

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Shin
161Powerful people harass me without cause, / but my heart trembles only at your word.

Powerful people may harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at the word of the LORD.

162I rejoice in your word / like one who discovers a great treasure.

I rejoice in the word of the LORD like one who discovers a great treasure.

163I hate and abhor all falsehood, / but I love your instructions.

I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love the instructions of the LORD.

164I will praise you seven times a day / because all your regulations are just.

I will praise the LORD seven times a day because all His regulations are just.

165Those who love your instructions have great peace / and do not stumble.

I have great peace and do not stumble because I love the instructions of the LORD.

166I long for your rescue, LORD, / so I have obeyed your commands.

I long for the LORD’s rescue so I have obeyed His commands.

167I have obeyed your laws, / for I love them very much.

I obey the laws of the LORD because I love them very much.

168Yes, I obey your commandments and laws / because you know everything I do.

I obey the commandments and laws of the LORD because He knows everything I do.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Resh

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Resh
153Look upon my suffering and rescue me, / for I have not forgotten your instructions.

I do not forget the instructions of the LORD even when I am suffering and I ask Him to rescue me.

154Argue my case; take my side! / Protect my life as you promised.

I ask the LORD to argue my case, take my side and to protect my life as He promised.

155The wicked are far from rescue, / for they do not bother with your decrees.

I believe the wicked cannot be rescued because they do not bother with the decrees of the LORD.

156LORD, how great is your mercy; / let me be revived by following your regulations.

I praise the LORD for His great mercy and I ask Him to let me be revived by following His regulations.

157Many persecute and trouble me, / yet I have not swerved from your laws.

I do not swerve from the laws of the LORD even though many people persecute and trouble me.

158Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, / because they care nothing for your word.

I am sick at heart when I see traitors because they do not care for the word of the LORD.

159See how I love your commandments, LORD. / Give back my life because of your unfailing love.

I ask the LORD to give back my life because of His unfailing love and because it is evident how much I love His commandments.

160The very essence of your words is truth; / all your just regulations will stand forever.

I believe the very essence of the LORD’s words is truth and that all His just regulations will stand forever.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Qoph

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Qoph
145I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD! / I will obey your decrees.

I pray with all my heart for the LORD to answer me. I will obey His decrees.

146I cry out to you; rescue me, / that I may obey your laws.

I cry out to the LORD to rescue me so that I may obey His laws.

147I rise early, before the sun is up; / I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.

I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in the words of the LORD.

148I stay awake through the night, / thinking about your promise.

I stay awake through the night thinking about the LORD’s promise.

149In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry; / let me be revived by following your regulations.

I ask the LORD in His faithful love to hear my cry and let me be revived by following His regulations.

150Lawless people are coming to attack me; / they live far from your instructions.

I trust the LORD even when lawless people are coming to attack me because they live far from the LORD’s instructions.

151But you are near, O LORD, / and all your commands are true.

I believe the LORD is near and all His commands are true.

152I have known from my earliest days / that your laws will last forever.

I have known from my earliest days that the laws of the LORD will last forever.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Tsadhe

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Tsadhe
137O LORD, you are righteous, / and your regulations are fair.

I believe the LORD is righteous and all His regulations are fair.

138Your laws are perfect / and completely trustworthy.

I believe the laws of the LORD are perfect and completely trustworthy.

139I am overwhelmed with indignation, / for my enemies have disregarded your words.

I am overwhelmed with anger because my enemies have disregarded the words of the LORD.

140Your promises have been thoroughly tested; / that is why I love them so much.

I love the promises of the LORD because I know they are valid.

141I am insignificant and despised, / but I don’t forget your commandments.

Even when I feel insignificant and despised I do not forget the commandments of the LORD.

142Your justice is eternal, / and your instructions are perfectly true.

I believe the justice of the LORD is eternal and His instructions are perfectly true.

143As pressure and stress bear down on me, / I find joy in your commands.

As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in the commands of the LORD.

144Your laws are always right; / help me to understand them so I may live.

I know the LORD’s laws are always right. I ask the LORD to help me understand His laws so I may live.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Pe

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Pe
129Your laws are wonderful. / No wonder I obey them!

I obey the LORD’s laws because they are wonderful.

130The teaching of your word gives light, / so even the simple can understand.

The teaching of the LORD’s word gives light so even I can understand.

131I pant with expectation, / longing for your commands.

I pant with expectation, longing for the commands of the LORD.

132Come and show me your mercy, / as you do for all who love your name.

I ask the LORD to come and show me His mercy, as He does for all who love His name.

133Guide my steps by your word, / so I will not be overcome by evil.

I ask the LORD to guide my steps by His word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

134Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; / then I can obey your commandments.

I ask the LORD to ransom me from the oppression of evil people so that I can obey His commandments.

135Look upon me with love; / teach me your decrees.

I ask the LORD to look upon me with love and teach me His decrees.

136Rivers of tears gush from my eyes / because people disobey your instructions.

Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey the instructions of the LORD.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Ayin

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Ayin
121Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies, / for I have done what is just and right.

I do what is just and right so I ask the LORD to not leave me to the mercy of my enemies.

122Please guarantee a blessing for me. / Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!

I ask the LORD to guarantee a blessing for me. I also ask the LORD to not let the arrogant oppress me.

123My eyes strain to see your rescue, / to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.

My eyes strain to see the rescue of the LORD and to see the truth of His promise fulfilled.

124I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, / and teach me your decrees.

I am a servant of the LORD. I ask Him to deal with me in unfailing love and to teach me His decrees.

125Give discernment to me, your servant; / then I will understand your laws.

I ask the LORD to give me discernment so I will understand His laws.

126LORD, it is time for you to act, / for these evil people have violated your instructions.

I am confident that the LORD will punish evil people who violate His instructions.

127Truly, I love your commands / more than gold, even the finest gold.

I love the commands of the LORD more than gold, even the finest gold.

128Each of your commandments is right. / That is why I hate every false way.

I hate every false way because each of the LORD’s commandments is right.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Samekh

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Samekh
113I hate those with divided loyalties, / but I love your instructions.

I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love the instructions of the LORD.

114You are my refuge and my shield; / your word is my source of hope.

The LORD is my refuge and my shield; His word is my source of hope.

115Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, / for I intend to obey the commands of my God.

I set boundaries with evil-minded people because I intend to obey the commands of my God.

116LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! / Do not let my hope be crushed.

When I feel my hope is being crushed, I ask the LORD to sustain me as He promised so I may live.

117Sustain me, and I will be rescued; / then I will meditate continually on your decrees.

I ask the LORD to sustain me so I will be rescued; then I meditate continually on His decrees.

118But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. / They are only fooling themselves.

I do not fool myself by straying from the decrees of the LORD.

119You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; / no wonder I love to obey your laws!

I love to obey the laws of the LORD because He skims off the wicked of the earth like scum.

120I tremble in fear of you; / I stand in awe of your regulations.

I tremble in fear of the LORD; I stand in awe of His regulations.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Nun

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Nun
105Your word is a lamp to guide my feet / and a light for my path.

The word of the LORD is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

106I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: / I will obey your righteous regulations.

I promise to obey the righteous regulations of the LORD.

107I have suffered much, O LORD; / restore my life again as you promised.

Even though I have suffered much, I believe the LORD will restore my life again as He promised.

108LORD, accept my offering of praise, / and teach me your regulations.

I ask the LORD to accept my offering of praise and to teach me His regulations.

109My life constantly hangs in the balance, / but I will not stop obeying your instructions.

Even though my life constantly hangs in the balance I will not stop obeying the instructions of the LORD.

110The wicked have set their traps for me, / but I will not turn from your commandments.

I will not turn from the commandments of the LORD even though the wicked set traps for me.

111Your laws are my treasure; / they are my heart’s delight.

The laws of the LORD are my treasure and my heart’s delight.

112I am determined to keep your decrees / to the very end.

I am determined to keep the decrees of the LORD to the very end.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Mem

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Mem
97Oh, how I love your instructions! / I think about them all day long.

I love the LORD’s instructions and I think about them all day long.

98Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, / for they are my constant guide.

The commands of the LORD are my constant guide. They make me wiser than my enemies.

99Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, / for I am always thinking of your laws.

I have more insight than my teachers because I am always thinking of the laws of the LORD.

100I am even wiser than my elders, / for I have kept your commandments.

I am even wiser than my elders because I keep the commandments of the LORD.

101I have refused to walk on any evil path, / so that I may remain obedient to your word.

I refuse to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to the word of the LORD.

102I haven’t turned away from your regulations, / for you have taught me well.

I do not turn away from the regulations of the LORD because He has taught me well.

103How sweet your words taste to me; / they are sweeter than honey.

I experience the words of the LORD as sweeter than honey.

104Your commandments give me understanding; / no wonder I hate every false way of life.

I hate every false way of life because the commandments of the LORD give me understanding.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Lamedh

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Lamedh
89Your eternal word, O LORD, / stands firm in heaven.

I believe the word of the LORD is eternal and stands firm in heaven.

90Your faithfulness extends to every generation, / as enduring as the earth you created.

I believe that the faithfulness of the LORD is as enduring as the earth He created, extending to every generation.

91Your regulations remain true to this day, / for everything serves your plans.

I believe the regulations of the LORD are still relevant and that everything serves His plans.

92If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, / I would have died in my misery.

I would die in my misery if the instructions of the LORD did not sustain me with joy.

93I will never forget your commandments, / for by them you give me life.

I will never forget the LORD’s commandments, for by them He gives me life.

94I am yours; rescue me! / For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.

I ask the LORD to rescue me because I am His. I work hard at obeying the commandments of the LORD.

95Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, / I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.

I am not distracted by the wicked that try to destroy me. I quietly keep my mind on the laws of the LORD.

96Even perfection has its limits, / but your commands have no limit.

Perfectionism is not my goal because the commands of the LORD are my highest goal.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Kaph

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Kaph
81I am worn out waiting for your rescue, / but I have put my hope in your word.

When I am worn out waiting for the LORD’s rescue, I put my hope in His word.

82My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. / When will you comfort me?

Even when I cannot feel the comfort of the LORD, my eyes continue to strain to see His promises come true.

83I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, / but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.

Even when I feel like I am withering I continue to obey the decrees of the LORD.

84How long must I wait? / When will you punish those who persecute me?

I ask the LORD to punish those who persecute me even though I want to see justice immediately.

85These arrogant people who hate your instructions / have dug deep pits to trap me.

Arrogant people dig pits to trap me because they hate the LORD’s instructions.

86All your commands are trustworthy. / Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.

I ask the LORD to protect me from those who hunt me down without cause. I trust in the LORD’s commands because they are trustworthy.

87They almost finished me off, / but I refused to abandon your commandments.

I refuse to abandon the commandments of the LORD even when I am worn out from opposition.

88In your unfailing love, spare my life; / then I can continue to obey your laws.

Because of the LORD’s unfailing love I ask Him to spare my life in the face of opposition so I can continue to obey His laws.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Yodh

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Yodh
73You made me; you created me. / Now give me the sense to follow your commands.

I ask the LORD to give me the sense to follow His commands because He made and created me.

74May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, / for I have put my hope in your word.

I put my hope in the word of the LORD and my life displays joy to those who fear the LORD.

75I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair; / you disciplined me because I needed it.

I know the regulations of the LORD are fair, and that He disciplined me because I needed it.

76Now let your unfailing love comfort me, / just as you promised me, your servant.

When I am in distress I ask for the LORD’s unfailing love to comfort me just as He promised.

77Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, / for your instructions are my delight.

I ask the LORD to surround me with His tender mercies so I may live because I delight in His instructions.

78Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; / meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.

I concentrate on the LORD’s commandments even though arrogant people have lied about me.

79Let me be united with all who fear you, / with those who know your laws.

My social support system is comprised of those who fear the LORD and those who know the laws of the LORD.

80May I be blameless in keeping your decrees; / then I will never be ashamed.

I am blameless in keeping the decrees of the LORD and I am not ashamed.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Teth

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Teth
65You have done many good things for me, LORD, / just as you promised.

The LORD has done many good things for me just as He promised.

66I believe in your commands; / now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

I believe in the LORD’s commands and I ask Him to teach me good judgment and knowledge.

67I used to wander off until you disciplined me; / but now I closely follow your word.

I used to wander off until the LORD disciplined me; but now I closely follow His word.

68You are good and do only good; / teach me your decrees.

I ask the LORD to teach me His decrees because He is good and does only good.

69Arrogant people smear me with lies, / but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.

Even though arrogant people smear me with lies, I obey the commandments of the LORD with all my heart.

70Their hearts are dull and stupid, / but I delight in your instructions.

I delight in the instructions of the LORD even when difficult people distress me.

71My suffering was good for me, / for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

I can say my suffering was good for me because it taught me to pay attention to the LORD’s decrees.

72Your instructions are more valuable to me / than millions in gold and silver.

I value the instructions of the LORD more than millions in gold and silver.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Heth

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Heth
57LORD, you are mine! / I promise to obey your words!

I have a personal relationship with the LORD. I promise to obey His words.

58With all my heart I want your blessings. / Be merciful as you promised.

I want the LORD’s blessings with all my heart. I ask the LORD to be merciful to me as He promised.

59I pondered the direction of my life, / and I turned to follow your laws.

As I ponder the direction of my life, I turn to follow the laws of the LORD.

60I will hurry, without delay, / to obey your commands.

I hurry, without delay, to obey the LORD’s commands.

61Evil people try to drag me into sin, / but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.

I am firmly anchored to the instructions of the LORD even though evil people try to drag me into sin.

62I rise at midnight to thank you / for your just regulations.

I rise at midnight to thank the LORD for His just regulations.

63I am a friend to anyone who fears you— / anyone who obeys your commandments.

I am a friend to anyone who fears the LORD and anyone who obeys His commandments.

64O LORD, your unfailing love fills the earth; / teach me your decrees.

I ask the LORD to teach me His decrees because His unfailing love fills the earth.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Zayin

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Zayin
49Remember your promise to me; / it is my only hope.

I ask the LORD to remember His promise to me because I know it is my only hope.

50Your promise revives me; / it comforts me in all my troubles.

The promise of the LORD revives me and comforts me in all my troubles.

51The proud hold me in utter contempt, / but I do not turn away from your instructions.

I continue to obey the instructions of the LORD even when the proud hold me in utter contempt.

52I meditate on your age-old regulations; / O LORD, they comfort me.

I meditate on the age-old regulations of the LORD because they comfort me.

53I become furious with the wicked, / because they reject your instructions.

I am furious with the wicked because they reject the instructions of the LORD.

54Your decrees have been the theme of my songs / wherever I have lived.

The decrees of the LORD are central to my life wherever I am.

55I reflect at night on who you are, O LORD; / therefore, I obey your instructions.

At night I reflect on who the LORD is; therefore, I obey His instructions.

56This is how I spend my life: / obeying your commandments.

I spend my life obeying the commandments of the LORD.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Waw

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Waw
41LORD, give me your unfailing love, / the salvation that you promised me.

I ask the LORD to give me His unfailing love and the salvation that He promised me.

42Then I can answer those who taunt me, / for I trust in your word.

I trust in the LORD and His word to provide answers in difficult situations.

43Do not snatch your word of truth from me, / for your regulations are my only hope.

I am dependent on the LORD’s word of truth. I know His regulations are my only hope.

44I will keep on obeying your instructions / forever and ever.

I will keep on obeying the instructions of the LORD forever and ever.

45I will walk in freedom, / for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

I will walk in freedom because I have devoted myself to the LORD’s commandments.

46I will speak to kings about your laws, / and I will not be ashamed.

I am not ashamed of the laws of the LORD even in the presence of those in authority over me.

47How I delight in your commands! / How I love them!

I delight and love the commands of the LORD.

48I honor and love your commands. / I meditate on your decrees.

I honor and love the commands of the LORD and I meditate on His decrees.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

How are you doing?

As you have been considering Psalm 119 and evaluating each personalization statement, what are you noticing about your status as an individual who is desperately dependent on God?

Count all your marks. Remember each section has 8 verses, so if you have completed all five sections so far you have a possibility of 40 marks.

"I marked _____ of 40 verses." (By the time you complete each section there will be 176 verses!)

Prayerfully consider which category authentically describes you currently and consistently. Of course, these are not hard and concrete determinations, because we are humans who are prone to error and deception that may cause us to evaluate ourselves either better or worse than God sees us. But the following continuum can offer a basic understanding of the status of your relationship with God and the direction you are heading.


Independent of God

• I am resistant to God working in my life. I want to be the captain of my own ship and determine my own direction. I am actually a very dependent person, but not dependent on God.

Searching for God

• I recognize I have a need for God in my life. I’m not doing so well at making it on my own. I am looking for solutions in my life and think God may be the answer. But I choose people, positions, and possessions to fill the God place in my life.

Desiring God

• I want to have a relationship with God, so I am attempting to satisfy that yearning. I think I know what God wants, and I want what God wants, so I pray and ask for mercy and deliverance, but return to my sins soon after. I find myself desperate, but not desperately dependent on God. I want to be dependent, but I’m just not there. I’m set on doing it my way.

Connecting with God

• I have a union with God that offers me fellowship. But I also have trust issues that result in fear and make me wonder, “If I turn everything over, what will happen?” I still have a long way to go, but I think I am on the right track. I am easily distracted from God’s purpose, but I am learning that He is faithful and continuously pulling me back to Him. I am learning to depend on Him only.

Desperately dependent on God

• I am not perfect, but I have an unwavering trust that He is the best and only option for navigating this life. He knows what is necessary for me, so I rely on His divine enablement for my personal empowerment as I pursue my greatest goal of glorifying Him. (If you believe you fall in this category, prayerfully consider if you actually completed the exercise honestly, or if you were merely choosing what you want to be true of you.)

If you are really brave and want to know more about yourself, you might consider asking someone close to you to complete the Evaluation of Desperate Dependency with you in mind. God does place people in our lives to assist us in our growth process. But if you are resistant to another’s assessment and feedback, there is the potential that your relationship will be scarred as a result. However, if someone completes the exercise on your behalf, your relationship may be strengthened because of the authentication of their commitment to your maturity.

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - He

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

He
33Teach me your decrees, O LORD; / I will keep them to the end.

I ask the LORD to teach me His decrees. I will follow the LORD’s decrees to the end.

34Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; / I will put them into practice with all my heart.

I ask the LORD to give me understanding so I can obey His instructions. I put His instructions into practice with all my heart.

35Make me walk along the path of your commands, / for that is where my happiness is found.

I ask the LORD to make me walk along the path of His commands because I know that is where my happiness is found.

36Give me an eagerness for your laws / rather than a love for money!

I ask the LORD to give me an eagerness for His laws rather than a love for money.

37Turn my eyes from worthless things, / and give me life through your word.

I ask the LORD to turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through the His word.

38Reassure me of your promise, / made to those who fear you.

I ask the LORD to reassure me of His promises because I fear Him.

39Help me abandon my shameful ways; / for your regulations are good.

I ask the LORD to help me abandon my shameful ways because I know His regulations are good.

40I long to obey your commandments! / Renew my life with your goodness.

I long to obey the LORD’s commandments. I ask the LORD to renew my life with His goodness.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Daleth

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Daleth
25I lie in the dust; / revive me by your word.

When I feel like I am lying in the dust, the word of the LORD revives me.

26I told you my plans, and you answered. / Now teach me your decrees.

I told the LORD my plans and He answered me. Now I ask the LORD to teach me His plans.

27Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, / and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

I ask the LORD to help me understand the meaning of His commandments. I meditate on His wonderful deeds.

28I weep with sorrow; / encourage me by your word.

When I weep with sorrow I ask the LORD to encourage me by His word.

29Keep me from lying to myself; / give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.

I ask the LORD to keep me from lying to myself because I want the privilege of knowing His instructions.

30I have chosen to be faithful; / I have determined to live by your regulations.

I am faithful and determined to live by the LORD’s regulations.

31I cling to your laws. / LORD, don’t let me be put to shame!

I cling to the laws of the LORD. I ask the LORD to not let me be put to shame.

32I will pursue your commands, / for you expand my understanding.

I pursue the commands of the LORD because He expands my understanding.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Gimel

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Gimel
17Be good to your servant, / that I may live and obey your word.

God enables me to live and obey His word.

18Open my eyes to see / the wonderful truths in your instructions.

I ask the LORD to open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in His instructions.

19I am only a foreigner in the land. / Don’t hide your commands from me!

I feel like I don’t belong, so I ask the LORD to reveal His commands to me.

20I am always overwhelmed / with a desire for your regulations.

I am overwhelmed with a desire for the LORD’s regulations.

21You rebuke the arrogant; / those who wander from your commands are cursed.

The LORD disciplines me when I am arrogant or wander from His commands.

22Don’t let them scorn and insult me, / for I have obeyed your laws.

I ask the LORD to protect me because I obey the laws of the LORD.

23Even princes sit and speak against me, / but I will meditate on your decrees.

I meditate on the decrees of the LORD even when others speak against me.

24Your laws please me; / they give me wise advice.

The laws of the LORD please me and give me wise advice.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Beth

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Beth
9How can a young person stay pure? / By obeying your word.

I stay pure by obeying the word of the LORD.

10I have tried hard to find you— / don’t let me wander from your commands.

I have tried hard to find the LORD. I desire to follow the LORD’s commands.

11I have hidden your word in my heart, / that I might not sin against you.

I have hidden the word of the LORD in my heart so that I might not sin against Him.

12I praise you, O LORD; / teach me your decrees.

I praise the LORD and desire to learn His decrees.

13I have recited aloud / all the regulations you have given us.

I recite aloud the regulations the LORD has given me.

14I have rejoiced in your laws / as much as in riches.

I rejoice in the LORD’s laws as much as I would rejoice in being rich.

15I will study your commandments / and reflect on your ways.

I study the LORD’s commandments and reflect on the ways of the LORD.

16I will delight in your decrees / and not forget your word.

I delight in the decrees of the LORD and do not forget the word of the LORD.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Final Review

We have just received notifcation that our manuscript is ready for final review! This is our last chance to make revisions without additional cost before it goes to typesetting! Please pray for insight this week as we work to meet the 7/23 deadline! Excited! Scared!

Evaluation of Desperate Dependency - Aleph

Psalm 119 can be used as a personal evaluation tool to assist you in determining your status as an individual who is desperately dependent on God. This exercise is not designed to create a monument to your success or failure as a Christian. Rather allow it to serve as a compass that establishes a “true north” so that you may align your path to arrive at the ultimate destination of Christlikeness. The author of this Psalm testifies to the paths he has taken along his course of relating to God. Therefore this instrument may also offer guidance for your direction as you attempt to follow the way to godliness.

Warren Wiersbe offers this introduction to Psalm 119:

This psalm is special in several ways. It is the longest psalm (176 verses), and it is an acrostic psalm, following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In most editions of the Bible, the twenty-two sections of this psalm are headed by the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (Aleph, Beth, Gimel, etc.). In the Hebrew Bible, each verse in a section begins with that Hebrew letter. For example, all the verses in the “aleph” section (vv. 1–8) begin with the Hebrew letter “aleph.” Look at the “teth” section (vv. 65–72) and start v. 67 with “Til” and v. 71 with “Tis,” and you will have each line starting with the English letter “T” (which is the same as the Hebrew “teth”). The Jews wrote in this fashion to help them memorize the Scriptures so they could meditate on God’s Word. We do not know who wrote this psalm, although the writer refers to himself many times. He was suffering for his love for God’s Law (vv. 22, 50–53, 95, 98, 115), yet he had determined to obey the Word regardless of the cost. All but five verses mention the Word of God in one way or another. The exceptions are vv. 84, 90, 121, 122, and 132. God is referred to in every verse. . . . Each section has eight verses. . . . The word “eight” in Hebrew literally means “abundance, more than enough”; it is the number of new beginnings. It is as though the writer is saying, “God’s Word is enough. If you have the Scriptures, that is all you need for life and godliness.” Indeed the Bible points us to Christ: He is the Living Word about whom the written Word speaks. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament, 1993)

As you read through this Psalm, mark the verses that currently and consistently (more often than not) describe you. We have also created a personalization of each verse so that you can more easily determine an accurate assessment. Since Psalm 119 (NLT) is composed of 176 verses we will post this review in stages-one section each week. Take your time, and allow God to use this exercise to draw you closer to Himself.

Aleph
1Joyful are people of integrity, / who follow the instructions of the LORD.

I am joyful, have integrity, and follow the instructions of the LORD.

2Joyful are those who obey his laws / and search for him with all their hearts.

I obey the laws of the LORD, am joyful, and search for the LORD with all of my heart.

3They do not compromise with evil, / and they walk only in his paths.

I do not compromise with evil and walk only in the LORD’s paths.

4You have charged us / to keep your commandments carefully.

I keep the LORD’s commandments carefully.

5Oh, that my actions would consistently / reflect your decrees!

I wish that my actions would consistently reflect the decrees of the LORD!

6Then I will not be ashamed / when I compare my life with your commands.

I am not ashamed when I compare my life with the commands of the LORD.

7As I learn your righteous regulations, / I will thank you by living as I should!

I learn the righteous regulations of the LORD and thank the LORD by living as I should.

8I will obey your decrees. / Please don’t give up on me!

I obey the decrees of the LORD.

How did you do? Count all your marks.

1. What has God shown you about yourself through this evaluation?

2. What has God revealed about Himself through this assessment?

3. How will you respond to the insight you have gained?

Meaty?

What makes Desperate Dependency so "meaty" and "important?" We have used over 350 Scripture passages documenting how Christ is relevant to every area of life. This comprehensive approach can encourage all to develop a desperately dependent relationship with Christ. (Today's job was to work on securing permissions, so I counted all the passages!)

Help with homework

The publishers are asking us to come up with some ideas for the back cover of the book. For those of you who have already interacted with the material, what compelling statement would you write to make someone else want to pick up the book and read it?

We have a publisher!

Today we signed our contract with WinePress Publishing company for Desperate Dependency! Yay, God!

Overview

Desperately dependent people search for a multiplicity of solutions to fill the void in their heart. Unfortunately, even Christians fail to recognize God's design of a relationship that is desperately dependent on Jesus to complete their lives. Desperate Dependency identifies the deceptions and points the searching soul to find Christ relevant to the intricacies of life's problems and pain. Please join us as we endeavor to make this book a reality.