Psalm 119:125 | “I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.”

The psalmist again identifies himself as the servant of the Lord. A servant does not act on his own authority. He waits for instruction. He listens for his master’s voice. The psalmist knows that belonging to the Lord means relying fully on his gracious guidance. As a servant, he asks for understanding. He recognizes that insight into God’s law is a gift that must be given, not something he can produce on his own. Calvin rightly reminds us of this posture of humility: “It is not in the power of any man to make himself a servant of the Most High, nor can any man bring anything of his own as a price with which to purchase so great an honour.” To belong to the Lord at all is an act of grace. To be taught by him is grace upon grace. The servant’s heart is one of readiness. Whatever the Lord commands, he stands willing to do it. Jesus affirms this same principle when he says, “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God” (John 7:17). Light is given to those who are resolved to walk in obedience. Have you resolved to do God’s will, whatever he commands? Let us pray for understanding with open hands and a surrendered will, confident that the Lord gladly teaches those who are ready to obey.