Psalm 119:33

Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes;
and I shall keep it unto the end.

~ Psalm 119:33

The fifth stanza pleads for perseverance and preservation. This involves the spiritual work of guidance and deliverance, but also the increase of knowledge and understanding of God’s Word.

Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes
“Teach me” is the lowly cry of the learner. One who feels their need and lack is one who sits at the feet of the Teacher. Learning God’s Word is paramount to persevering in His way and that note is immediately struck.

The knowledge sought is not mere information. He cries to learn “the way.” Again, the word here literally means a road or path. He desires to know the road or path of God’s statutes. God’s Word is not given to merely inform our minds, but to instruct our hearts and lead our feet.

And I shall keep it unto the end
The conjunction, “and,” joins the second statement to the first and shows its condition on it. When taught of the Lord, we keep His way unto the end. Perseverance holds all the way to the end of life.

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake:but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
– Matthew 10:22

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ
– 1 Corinthians 1:7-8

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
– Revelation 2:10

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
– Revelation 2:26

The Christian life is not such that you can overfill your barns and then take your ease from the way. It is a persevering unto the very end. We must note again that perseverance is built upon being taught of the Lord. When God has begun a good work, He will finish it (Philippians 1:6).

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