Hanging in the Balance

Between Sinner and Saint

“My life constantly hangs in the balance,
but I will not stop obeying your instructions.” Psalm 119:110 NLT

“Hanging in the balance” is an idiom to describe uncertainty.

It illustrates a position of teetering one way or another.

In many ways this is our faith life. One step away from sin and one step away from righteousness. From belief to unbelief.

We as humans, to use another idiom “walk a fine line” between good and bad in our everyday day lives.

It is said in James 3:10 NIV:

“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

We are imperfect beings.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the bible and perhaps my favorite.

It illustrates a prayer and plea to God for us to be righteous. It reflects a deep desire within us all to love and follow God’s commandments, yet we all fall short.

Psalm 119 is a reminder that while our hearts may desire what is right, our actions don’t always follow suit.

“Oh that my actions would constantly reflect your decrees!” Psalms 119:5 NLT

Within Psalm 119 we see the foreshadowing of the Lord’s Prayer for God to “lead us from temptation and deliver us from evil.”

“…don’t let me wander from your commands.” Pslams 119:10 NLT

There is humility when we recognize our weakness.

The psalmist sees the fragility of human behavior and calls on God to help us through this walk with him.

Despite the readers weakness in sin, he shows constant zeal for God’s laws.

He longs for understanding God’s ways and God’s purpose and the pursuit of His heart.

The writer understands that true joy is found in seeking out God and being obedient.

“Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts” Psalm 119:2 NLT

But we must actively put this as a priority. And the psalmists recognizes we cannot do this of our own strength.

He petitions God:

“Make me walk along the path of your commands for that is where my happiness is found.

Give me an eagerness for your laws, rather than love for money!

“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” Psalm 119:35-36 NLT

“…give me the sense to follow your commands” psalm 119:73 NLT.

I don’t know about you, but I struggle staying pure though my heart longs to follow God’s commands.

At times I feel like I am “hanging in the balance.” Especially within my thoughts.

I know what am supposed to do and I want to do it…but I don’t always do it.

Or as the Apostle Paul wrote:

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.Romans 7:15 NLT

The good news is although we are less than perfect, we don’t have to be. We will never reach perfection in this life, but our hearts should still crave it.

We should want to please God, and be the best we can be, knowing that we always won’t be…if that makes any sense.

…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Psalm 119 encompasses elements of penitence, petition and praise. All which are needed for a good conversation with God, be it at the beginning…or end of your day.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13 NLT.