How I love my kids helps me imagine how God loves us. (Psalms - 102–103; 110; 116–119; 127–128; 135)

103:13

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” How much would your earthly father take pity on you? How often would he forgive you?

Consider your own children. Imagine that you had a child who had stepped off of the path. How quickly would you welcome that child as they decided to repent? I think you would forgive and accept immediately. Imagine how our perfect Father will demonstrate mercy and love?

We know that he won’t tolerate sin. But, dang, he will quickly forgive the MOMENT we repent.

He realizes that we are in this fallen world. “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” He understand our ‘frame.’ In our vocabulary, ‘framing’ something is to consider it relative to what’s around it. For example, if I see the price of a Corvette surrounded by Ferrari’s, the Corvette will seem affordable. But if I look at that Corvette surrounded by Volkswagens, the Corvette suddenly appears expensive.

God knows our frame. He understands what surrounds us. He gets that we are living in a wicked world - tempted by every kind of sin and distraction. It’s part of why he’s so quick to forgive.

As mortals, he knows how our bodies physically respond to pride and covetousness and lust. He knows precisely what is means to be mortal and the struggle to overcome all that is trying to grind us down in this life.

116:6

“The Lord preserveth the simple.” Many overthink things. I’ve talked with people who are very smart and can think circles around me. They can argue any side of most arguments. Some question the principle of God - making scientific points. Sometimes, it’s better to be simple. Sometimes, it’s easier to have faith when you think about things simply.

We should be thoughtful and ponder the meaning of things. I certainly am not suggesting we shouldn’t think. But, we can’t figure out all of the things of God. Some things just aren’t going to make sense. We just have to simply follow the example of Jesus Christ.

Some groups within this church attempt to figure out the mysteries of God. I think this is often a tangent that sometimes leads to apostasy. Smart people consider themselves more enlightened - even more enlightened than those called to lead the church. Dangerous stuff.

118:5

“I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.” What is a large place? I believe it’s a place where we have freedom to move on our own. We can move in one direction or another. We are unrestrained. We have options. The gospel is a large place.

Sin limits choices. Giving into the natural man decreases potential. Addictions restrain us. Satan has done a fantastic job of mislabeling sin as freedom. Sin leads to bondage. It puts us in a box that gets smaller and smaller.

I’d rather roam free in a righteous large place.

118:8

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” This sounds obvious. But many of us don’t do this. We listen to a clever, accomplished, ‘wise’ man or woman who can put doubts into our minds. I was watching a video on YouTube where a scientist was explaining how God doesn’t exist. I think he was an astronomer or something. He was making a very solid argument. I could listen to another scientist explain how there obviously must be a God.

The key is to not put our trust in any scientist when it comes to the existence of God. Our loving Heavenly Father has created a universe where all things point to a creator. But, he will not provide concrete, obvious proof of his existence. The whole point of this mortal experience is to see what we will do on our own. If he gives us verifiable proof, the point is lost.

I will put my trust in God and rely on faith rather than get yanked back and forth from expert to expert.

119:1-2

“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.” There are a lot of people who are ‘in the way’ but aren’t ‘undefiled.’ To be undefiled in the way is to rid yourself of hypocrisy. Undefiled means without guile. It means to be perfectly transparent in our efforts to be better disciples of Christ.

I have to say that Marci is undefiled in the way. She has no ulterior motives in her discipleship. When she says something, it is exactly how she feels. She isn’t working an angle or attempting to manipulate others around her. I’ve never met someone so beautifully transparent. I want to be like her someday. It’s a real blessing to live with someone who is such a good example.

“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” Our WHOLE heart needs to seek him. It’s not a Sunday heart or a while-in-the-temple-heart or reading scriptures heart. It’s in our driving down the road, interacting with strangers, seeing opportunities to help others.

119:5

“O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!” I can feel his yearning. His ways don’t completely match God’s ways. Sometimes, our ways are just our ways - they don’t perfectly match God’s ways. That’s the key is to get them to completely match. It likely won’t happen in this life.

119:9

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Young men with their young testimonies must act in faith more than an older, wiser man. To take heed is to pay close attention. Young men need to do that.

Young men are beginning their journey of matching their will to God’s. They are learning to control urges that are new to them. They are beginning to get control of the natural man inside of them. They are refining themselves. They are cleansing their way.

119:14

“I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.” Do the scriptures make us as joyous as winning the lottery would? It’s an interesting thought experiment. If someone gave you a choice between possessing the Book of Mormon vs. winning a billion dollars, what would you choose?

From an eternal perspective, this shouldn’t be a difficult choice.

119:18

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” We need the Spirit to see spiritual things. This includes useful principles and inspiration found in the scriptures. There have been many times when I’ve read the scriptures with a distracted mind and didn’t get much out of it. If a re-read those same verses the next day when I’m more in tune, they open up to me. My brain doesn’t work so good without the Spirit.

119:19

“I am a stranger in the earth.” I’ve written about this before - how we are all strangers on earth. We’re temporarily here for ~75 years. Compared to the pre-mortal world, this is a very short vacation. It isn’t our natural home. We can’t see ourselves as citizens of this planet. We are eternal creatures that are here for a short time to gain empathy through a short bout of suffering.

119:24

“Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.” Replace ‘thy testimonies’ with ‘the scriptures.’ How are scriptures counselors? The scriptures:

• Give us wisdom.

• Correct misunderstandings.

• Inspire us to grow.

• Help us see things from a larger/different perspective.

• Warn us about danger.

• Strengthen us.

• Instruct us of valuable principles.

• Bring a sense of peace.

The question is, how are the scriptures NOT counselors.

The scriptures are a delight. If joy is about knowing who you are and why you’re here and where you’re going, the scriptures are an amazing source of delight.

119:27

“Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.” The Spirit is what allows us to understand God’s precepts. This verse is interesting to me because it’s connecting understanding with talking. Part of why we should understand the scriptures is so we can help others. Our wisdom is much less impactful if we keep it to ourselves.

119:36-37

“Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.” Our heart is always drawn to something - connection, love, desires, passion, distraction, laziness, accomplishment, learning, pleasure, entertainment, etc. Our heart isn’t usually in neutral. The question is, what is our heart drawn to. We should pray for our heart to be inclined towards the gospel.

The natural man has a pretty strong hold on how we’re inclined. We should pray to receive help from the Spirit.

119:45

“And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” When we follow the commandments of God, we are at liberty. Freeing ourselves from the distractions and addictions that permeate life as mortals is liberating.

119:50

“This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.” How are we afflicted?

• Chronic disease.

• Job loss.

• Unhappy marriage.

• Serious injury.

• Persecution.

How can the word of God strengthen us in each of these situations? Truly, knowing the gospel can quicken us and comfort us in our affliction.

119:51

“The proud have had me greatly in derision.” The proud do not like people who worship God. The proud believe that they are winning the game of life. To see someone who isn’t even on the same game board is unpleasant for them. They want you to feed their pride with your adoration. They may want to pull you down through ridicule. If you’re getting ridiculed because of your faith, you’re on the right track.

119:59

“I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” How often do we reconsider what we’re doing? Every one of us will admit that we can improve our discipleship. But how much effort do we put into considering our current routine and identifying how we can improve? I should regularly ask how can I:

• Commune with Christ more during the sacrament?

• Prepare better for attending the temple?

• Be more sensitive to instruction from the Spirit while reading the scriptures?

• Improve my scripture study?

• Be a better example to everyone around me?

• Hear promptings from the Spirit better?

• Be more Christlike - especially with those I find irritating?

• Improve my humility and teachability?

• Strengthen family and friends?

• Be more valiant in my calling?

Sometimes, we set our lives on cruise control and we don’t think about what we’re doing enough. We should regularly ‘think on our ways.’

119:71

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” The footnote for ‘afflicted’ is ‘chastening.’ How often do we get chastised as adults? I don’t get chastised very much. I think it would be good for me to receive some every now and then.

As we progress to this winding up scene, I think our church leaders are going to be administering some chastisement more often and to a greater degree. There are going to be many who will turn away with offense. We’re going to lose some members because of chastisement.

If we could have the psalmist’s perspective - where it is good to receive chastisement to learn the statutes of God.

119:74

“They that fear thee will be glad when they see me.” When I read this, I thought about members of our ward. I am legitimately excited to see them each week. There is a bond with these people. Knowing the path that we’re all attempting to walk unites our hearts. There is a closeness in recognizing the responsibility we all share to gather Israel. It’s hard to describe the connection that I feel with many members of our ward. It’s pretty special.

119:92

"Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction." Without our knowledge of the gospel, how much more affected are we by the normal trials of life? How much easier is it for us to experience loss when we know all will be restored? How much easier is it to not be discouraged by the daily disappointments when our vision is focused much further down the road? Knowing the principles of the gospel adds a lot of delight to discouragement.

119:98

"Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me." The only source of wisdom isn't simple experience. We can learn from the wisdom of our ancestors. We don't have to relearn important principles every generation! Because we are making use of the combined wisdom of thousands of years, we can be made wiser than those who ignore all of that teaching.

The great thing about the scriptures is that they are always with us. They are on our phone - which is always in our pocket. Never before have my scriptures been on my person 24 hours a day! Not many of us would elect to carry a quadruple combination everywhere we went - we live in blessed times.

119:105

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The scriptures illuminate what we are doing and where we are going. We don't have to press forward to an unknown destination on an invisible path. We have a living prophet and apostles who give us enlightenment at least every six months that is customized exactly for our current day.

If we each had to figure it out for ourselves, the way forward would be murky.

119:115

"Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God." It matters who we spend our time with. We are social creatures who naturally absorb what is happening around us. If we surround ourselves with those who do evil, it will rub off.

This is not to say that we don't associate with sinners. Of course we do. But if those closest to us are making bad choices, we will naturally settle to their level. This is especially true of young people. Who they choose as friends will have lifelong impact.

119:128

"I hate every false way." Hate is a strong word. What are examples of false ways?

• 'I believe in a higher power. When we die, our energy is just absorbed into the universe.'

• 'Being kind is my religion. I just want to be a good person.'

• 'Religions are manmade. I don't need religion to connect with God.'

• 'I prefer to worship in the forest rather than a church.'

False ways are especially harmful in that they satisfy the natural desire (from the Light of Christ) in each of us to find meaning in life. It is one thing to be a sinner and know how you must repent and progress in this life. It's another to replace the true gospel with a misguided belief.

It's tricky because ANY belief system that helps someone be a better person is a GOOD thing. It's just that every other way doesn't give a person ALL of the blessings and instruction that the Lord's church has to offer its members in their efforts to continually repent.

Imagine you knew of a health program that would strengthen your body in every way: flexibility, strength, nutrition, endurance, etc. Now say that there are other programs but they only focus on one aspect of health. Consider a person who is totally committed to this limited program. It's good because they are getting healthier but it's unfortunate because they have satisfied their need for health but are missing other aspects that would truly help them. They may never investigate other programs because they feel like they've found the right way. It's damning in this way. That's how I feel about false ways.

119:136

"Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law." I get so wrapped up in my effort to be righteous, I sometimes forget other people. I'm impressed by this writer who is weeping because of the unrighteousness of others. It really demonstrates his selfless concern for them. It reminds me of the sons of Mosiah who "could not rest" knowing that the Laminates were misled. I want to progress in my empathy so that I am able to weep for others this way.

119:143

“Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.” We cannot control everything around us. The only thing we can truly control is our choices. We can always choose to be obedient.

I can imagine a life where sickness invades, money dries up, and friends leave. It could happen to me. But, if I were obedient, there would always be solace that I was choosing the right. Knowing that I am right with the Lord, regardless of my worldly circumstances is a flow of delightful feelings that can’t be turned off by any outside force or unlucky event.

119:147, 162

How much do I enjoy studying? I love the time that I get with the scriptures. I feel like I’m learning and getting closer to the Savior. It’s often a high point in my day. This psalmist has stronger feelings about it. “I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.” Clearly, he wakes up and goes to sleep thinking about the word of God. I still have some room to improve.

“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Rejoicing about the scriptures - I feel joy. The more I study, the more joy I feel.

127:1

“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” All of the effort that we put into building our life, if the Lord isn’t directing what we are doing, all of our efforts are vain. When this mortal life ends - and it will for all of us - we don’t want our time here to be entirely in vain pursuit of vanity.

Marci and I are prepping for what might happen in this world. If we’re not prepping for what happens after this world, we’ve screwed up. The Lord needs to be guiding our lives for our team here to be productive.

135:15-18

“The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.” Idol worship is stupid. If we are worshipping a graven image, we’re worshipping something that doesn’t speak, see or hear. They aren’t living and breathing.

I like the line “they that make them are like unto them.” This is true. Of course, no one reading this is literally worshipping a graven idol. The question is always, what are our graven idols. They aren’t golden cows but they are:

• Career.

• Possessions.

• Entertainment.

Last night, Marci and I were watching Netflix and I was struck at how we were sitting for a long period without moving. It was almost as if we were in a comatose state. If aliens came to visit, they might get confused thinking that we worship TV’s. All of us gathered around, all staring, listening and watching TV’s should be concerned that it hasn’t become our graven image. The problem is I love watching TV…….

136:26

“O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Every verse of this chapter ends with “for his mercy endureth for ever.” It lays out many of the great and wonderful works of the Lord - from creation to preserving his people. Event after amazing event ends with mercy.

I think this chapter paints a picture of how all of God’s acts are tied to mercy. His mercy is his greatest gift to us. This chapter can be summed up as: events happen but mercy endures. How many of us are concerned that God’s mercy isn’t enough to forgive us of our particular sins? This chapter should give all of us comfort that God’s mercy is his defining characteristic.

138:6

“Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.” God is high in the heavens but still maintains respect for the lowly. In God’s view, the lowly are always in view.

However, the proud are less familiar to him. They don’t feel a strong pull to build a relationship with him. For every ounce of pride, our desire to submit to God decreases. Pride diminishes gratitude. If I see myself as the source of goodness in my life, how much am I relying on God? Pride acts as a wedge between me and God.

138:8; 139:14

“The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.“ God created us. He is intent on bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. He’s good at it. His plan of salvation is flawless. His ability to execute on all of his plans is perfect.

He wants to perfect us. He’s good at it. We should trust him that he will not fail in giving us every opportunity to succeed. If there is a time that I start to doubt my ability, I rely a little heavier on my faith that God’s ability is infinite.

David returns to this thought in chapter 139:14. “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” We are wonderful creations with divine potential.

139:6

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” We are not going to attain God-level thinking in this life. We must live by faith that God has a plan and knows much more about what is good for us than we do. We cannot figure out God’s mind.

139:8

“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.” This verse is a central theme in one of the episodes of the Chosen. I love it.

I think it explains how God is always willing to be with us and strengthening us. He isn’t a passive coach giving instruction from a booth in the sky. He can be right next to us regardless of our condition. Whether or not our plight is from our own bad choices. God NEVER gives us the cold shoulder.

146:4

“His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” The day we die is the day that all of our grand plans for success in this life end. All of the worldly goals and problems and worries and strategies die suddenly. We must remember that none of us is going to escape that moment when all of our worldly cares end. For many, in that moment, what matters most isn’t going to matter at all.

147:10-11

“He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” God receives little pleasure in our physical strength. How much we can lift or how far we can run has little bearing on our spiritual strength. God cares more about those who are obedient and have faith in him. Those attributes will bless us eternally - not just help us pick up a heavy box or run a marathon.