“I am a stranger in the earth: hide not Thy commandments from me” (Psalm 119:19 KJV). Why would the Psalmist identify himself as a “stranger in the earth” (119:19)? If this world is God’s creation, isn’t this my Father’s world? Yes and no. The Almighty is the Creator and Master of All Possible Universes, but He did give our Original Parents authority over the entire world, as evidenced by His command, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28). When the Serpent seduced Eve, and Adam acquiesced, all the world’s voting population of two effectively elected the Wicked One as the “god of this world” (2Corinthians 4:4). The godly suddenly became the stranger in the world, and this world was no longer truly home for the saint. “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:9-10).
God’s “commandments” (Psalm 119:19) include His promises of things for now and things to come. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). If God does not reveal the meaning of His commandments — “hide not Thy commandments from me” (Psalm 119:19) — they are hidden to us. Let us not take for granted His illumination in teaching us. Thank Him for His teaching, apply it, teach it, and ask for more. “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes” (19:8). Just as you love to teach a receptive child, God loves to teach us, when our hearts are ready. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night” (1:2). As God’s children, we are to walk carefully because of the obstacles and traps set by the enemy for our soul. And, by God’s grace, we shall overcome. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1Peter 2:11).
Father, we are strangers in this world and cannot make it through life without You. The enemy is too strong for us. Grant us an abiding faith in You, but most of all, grant us the generous influence, protection, and inspiration of Your Spirit to teach us Your Word, direct our praying, and cause us to walk in loving obedience. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 