“When I told my story, you responded; train me well in your deep wisdom.” Psalm 119:26, The Msg

This is a pivotal verse in the longest lament or chapter in the Bible. He has told his story, all of it, honestly, with sadness, repentance, but with the knowledge that God hears and responds to his cries. That’s why he cries out to God first and foremost because of the knowledge he has gained from God’s Word that it is acceptable to do just that. 

Taking stock of our lives, remembering the good and the bad, and evaluating what was helpful and what hurt us and others is a great story to tell…to God…who knows us better and loves us more than anyone else. “Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus”…as the old hymn says, is a good exercise in assessing one’s life, if it leads to what the Psalmist is after…more of God and His wisdom.

Wisdom, skills for living this life here on earth, comes from experience, knowledge of right from wrong and applying it at the right time and place, and it is deemed as “common sense”. Not all people live with wisdom. They merely survive.

After recounting his life to God, who knew it in the first place, is as important for the Psalmist in the repentant process which sets him free. Why? By going over his past, good and bad, the bad, or wrong choices, were brought to light. All his mistakes or shortcomings in his life made him realize he did not want to repeat them. Haven’t we all been there? Of course we have. But, we need to admit it, repent of it, learn from the experience and freely move on with a new desire to please God.

“Train me well in your deep wisdom”… We all want to learn more, have more wisdom to be all that God wants us to be so we will behave in ways of wisdom that make God smile and bring him glory and praise! 

HOW?

1. TAKE STOCK OFTEN, tell it to Jesus.
I am reminded of Romans !2:3, warning us, “Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you.” (NLT) The Message says, “…it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you.” In others words, we join God in HIS work, He does not join us. “The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.” Romans 12, Msg Repent of those times when we have thought and behaved this way.

2. THINK like Jesus. Want what God wants…”Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.” 1 Peter 4, Msg Leave the bad, ask every morning, “Lord, what do you want today? Learn to think like Jesus.

3. PRACTICE wisdom in every opportunity. “Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” Colossians 4, Msg

4. PRAY…then pray more. “Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.” Pray for yourself to proclaim His message. Pray for others to do the same not matter what the circumstance. Prayer leads to making wise choices, having wisdom, the skills for living this life with integrity.

5. NOTICE when God shows up. (Talking about Israel) Paul reminds the church, “They were absorbed in what they themselves were doing. They were so absorbed in their ‘God projects’ that they didn’t notice God right in front of them, like a huge rock in the middle of the road. And so they stumbled…” Romans 9, Msg Remember He is God and we are not.

6. TRUST God. For everything. For every detail of this life. “May Your Kingdom come, YOUR will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way.” (Another old hymn of wisdom.)

Dear Heavenly Father, Continue to teach us your deep wisdom in all we are and do. We trust You. We believe in what You say. We know You love us. So, we love to follow your commands for we know You know what is best for us. We repent of those times we went our own way. Help us to be honest with ourselves and learn from our mistakes. Set us free to be all You created us to be.
In Jesus Name, Amen