Psalm 119:66 DiscernmentBy Reverend Tony Raker

August 10, 2014

Psalms

Historical context: The brief descriptions that introduce the psalms have David listed as author in 73 instances. David's personality and identity are clearly stamped on many of these psalms, including our text. While it is clear that David wrote many of the individual psalms, he is definitely not the author of the entire collection. The Book of Psalms is the longest book in the Bible, with 150 individual psalms.

Grammatical Usage: “Teach” in the Hebrew is, “Lamad” meaning, “to teach by exercising”; …

Literal Application: Exercise me (to have) a good taste and discernment. Let me see and perceive the importance of Divine things, and give me a relish for them (in tone via heart-felt desire).

Scriptural Context: It is essential to understand v.66 in relation to both the preceding verse as was as verses which follow. David affirms in v. 65 that every servant of God can testify that God has done him nothing but good, and therefore he can speak good of His name You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.

v. 67, “Before I was afflicted I went astray.” Many have been humbled under affliction, and taught to know themselves and humble themselves before God, that probably without this could never have been saved much less paying attention to God’s convictions about their lives; after this, they have been serious and faithful. Affliction sanctified is a great blessing; unsanctified, it is an additional curse. David then moves on to v. 68 where, again, he affirms, “You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.” Notice the willing heart as opposed to the rebelling heart contrast – both are optional but we tread one path or the other!

Comparison: Discernment is essential to. . .

A. Understand God’s will. The Father clearly communicates His purposes for our lives, but we must be able to hear His guidance regarding every decision we make (James 4:8: Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.);

B. Distinguish truth from error. The two are often mixed, so a discerning spirit is essential to separate them. This is especially important for parents who are sending children to college. Without a discerning spirit, young people can become spiritually confused for the rest of their lives (1 Corinthians 14:33: For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.);

C. Avoid being deceived by sin. Many things that are pleasurable are only so for a moment. This is why we must ask, “What are the consequences of this action?” before we make choices. For example, a certain song may make us feel good, but its message may have a negative impact on us spiritually (1 Peter 4:2: so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.);

D. Differentiate between good and best. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are expected to be more than “good enough.” We should always give Him our very best. Also, a discerning spirit will keep us from making quick decisions we’ll later regret because we didn’t wait for God’s best (2 Timothy 2:15: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.);

Comparison: Discernment is essential to. . .continued

F. Recognize when God is speaking. God created each of us with a plan and a purpose for our lives, so He will always give us clear directions and guidance. We have to be able to look past what we see, hear, and feel to comprehend how God views a certain issue (Romans 12:1, 2: I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.);

G. Receive Godly counsel. When looking for counsel, it is essential to seek out individuals who give advice based on the Word of God, not just his or her feelings. We should always ask how God sees the situations we find ourselves in and what He would have us do (Proverbs 15:22: Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.).

What is the source of spiritual discernment?

A. The Holy Spirit. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He met with His disciples and promised them “another Helper…the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17). This Helper is the Holy Spirit who dwells inside believers, guiding us at all times so we can exercise good judgment.

B. The Word of God. Psalm 119:30 tells us the Word of God gives light and is the basis for all our discernment (“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.”) Every single circumstance we face has an answer in the Bible, and our ability to discern this grows stronger as we fill our minds with biblical truths. The Holy Spirit comprehends the will of the Father and reveals it to us (1 Cor. 2:10-12: these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God; 2 Cor. 2:13-15).

C. Godly teachers. In the Old Testament, one of the responsibilities of the Levites to discern between “the unclean and the clean” and to educate the people regarding God’s laws (Ez. 44:22: They shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman, but only virgins of the offspring of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest). Likewise, those who have spent time in God’s Word and who have a greater understanding of His will can aid those seeking discernment.

D. Experience. We will all make mistakes in our lives, confusing God’s voice with our own. However, studying the Word and learning to wait on the Lord will enable us to hear Him more clearly, learn from our errors, and avoid costly ones in the future (Isa. 64:4: From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him).

ConclusionJohn 16:13: When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come