Long Have I Known

“Forever, O Lord, your word
    is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
    you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
    for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
    for by them you have given me life…

You are near, O Lord,
    and all your commandments are true.
Long have I known from your testimonies
    that you have founded them forever…

The sum of your word is truth,
    and every one of your righteous rules endures forever…
My soul keeps your testimonies;
    I love them exceedingly.
I keep your precepts and testimonies,
    for all my ways are before you.” Psalm 119:89-93,151-152,160,167-168

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

We live in the temporal and sometimes fail to consider, or resist the significance of, the eternal. But we were created eternal beings in God’s image, and as His children, are swept into an everlasting relationship of communion with Him. God’s word and our purpose within its plan and promises last forever. (Genesis 1:26-27; Matthew 24:35)

In order to transform our mindset from worldly and temporal to God’s heavenly one, we must know and surrender to what He thinks and says. We need to understand His ways of dealing with man, His warnings and promises that hold fast, His instructions that are relevant for all time and times. The better and longer we know His word, the more deeply we know and love God Himself.(Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16)

Is it our goal to know and live for Him for the long haul? If so, how are we investing to build lifelong habits that nourish a long obedience in the same direction? If not, what’s caused us to lose our first love and grow lukewarm? What will we practically do by way of regular study and fellowship, and zealous engagement in learning and serving our church body, to enrich communion with the Lord and develop a continually deepening knowing of His character and word? (Revelation 2:4; 3:15-16)

If we rue wasted years, setbacks and failures, do we have the will and courage to begin now? We can always step forward and begin anew with Jesus. We can rely on His mercy and strong truth and help. He will not fail us, and His word stands forever. (Joel 2:25; 2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 4:16)

“I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.’

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” ~Johnson Oatman, Jr, (1856-1922)

Father, keep Your testimonies my delight and Your ways my highest aim, that long I will know, love, obey, and honor You as You deserve.