Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7 (NIV)
In the beginning, God created man in His image and bestowed upon him His presence. Furthermore, God provided man with all that he required, even before he recognized such needs. Despite God’s nurturing of mankind in all respects, they chose to disobey Him, driven by curiosity and questions regarding His instructions. Had they exhibited sufficient curiosity to seek knowledge of their Creator, circumstances may have unfolded differently. Due to their disobedience, God returned mankind to the state from which He had formed him.
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.
Genesis 3:19 (NIV)
Preserve My Life
I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
Psalm 119:25-26 (NIV)
Though the Psalmist did not acknowledge his existence as mere dust, he recognized that he was living in a state of humility. Many today fail to comprehend this notion; due to their accumulation of worldly blessings and a respectable status, they find it challenging to accept that they too are positioned low in the dust. Instead, they tend to perceive others, particularly those sitting in dust on the roadside, as inferior, while overlooking their own lowly state. Prophet Isaiah came to understand this truth only after his encounter with the true and living God. The above affirmation by the Psalmist indicates that he had, at some point in his life, experienced the presence of God, enabling him to grasp his genuine state of affairs.
It is very different from David’s other prayers, where he usually asked God to vindicate him. In this instance, the Psalmist, being in communion with God, was able to discern his predicament and implore God to safeguard his life in accordance with His Word. Yet, long before this realization came to mankind, God had meticulously orchestrated all things to preserve human life, ensuring that it does not remain in a state of decay but rather is revitalized from the dust to reclaim the image it was originally created in, thus enabling the inheritance of eternal life.
As God has delivered us from destruction even before we petitioned Him, it is imperative that we remain in His presence consistently to grasp the reality that we are perishing in this world. Furthermore, we must avail ourselves of the salvation that our Father God has graciously provided, refraining from the folly of self-righteousness based solely on religious affiliations and their accompanying rituals.
Make Me Understand How to Think and Act
Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
Psalm 119:27-30 (NIV)
Paul regarded law as an instrument that delineates what constitutes sin. He asserted that sin existed prior to the establishment of law; however, without law, it lacked the recognition of being sinful. With this premise, Paul acknowledged that he often acted contrary to his intentions, expressing that there were deeds he wished to avoid yet found himself compelled to commit them. He ultimately concluded that if he performed actions he did not wish to undertake, then it was not he who was responsible, but rather the sin within him that compelled such behavior (Romans 7:19-20). Furthermore, he noted that the law, which is intended to prevent wrongdoing, paradoxically enables it by creating opportunities to succumb to internal conflicts regarding moral choices.
For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death.
Romans 7:11 (NIV)
The laws of God should not be regarded merely as a set of rules designed for the imposition of punishment, nor should they be viewed simply as guidelines of permissible and impermissible actions. Though we acknowledge, as articulated by the Psalmist in Psalm 51:5, that “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me,” we often overlook David’s insight in verse 6, which states that God desires faithfulness even in the womb and imparts wisdom in that secret place.
God instructed Cain to carefully consider his actions in order to present good deeds (Genesis 4:6-7). Notably, God did not impose a prohibition against murder; instead, He guides our thoughts along the correct path, enabling us to yield the fruits of the Spirit. In matters of sexual immorality and anger, Jesus calls us to amend our thought processes from the very beginning, stating that even a thought in our hearts equates to sin (Matthew 5:27-30). Consequently, we cannot attribute the sins hidden within our subconscious as the sole reason for our transgressions. We invite sin through our desires, which are displeasing to God, and empower that sin with established laws.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
1 Corinthians 15:56 (NIV)
The psalmist recognized the true significance of God’s guidance, transcending the notion of mere prohibitions and allowances. The deeply personal relationship he cultivated with God afforded him the insight that God is not merely a judge, but rather the one who imparts wisdom to His children, instructing them in matters of thought and action. While rules pertain to our actions and the outcomes of our thoughts, the precepts of God are those that transform us in His image.
With this alternate approach, the Psalmist expresses a curious desire to learn more from God, consistently seeking wisdom in His laws. We often refrain from asking God to impart His teachings due to our limited perspective, viewing laws merely as prohibitive measures. If God were to teach us how to think and act from His perspective, we would not falter; instead, we would evolve into perfect adherents of His law.
Running In His Path
I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
Psalm 119:31-32 (NIV)
Whether before or after the time of Jesus, it is important to understand that God did not establish any particular religion. He elucidates that we ought to follow the path set by Jesus in order to attain entry into His Kingdom and exchange our salvation for eternal life. Jesus affirmed this fact, proclaiming Himself to be the sole Way to reach the Father, as stated in John 14:6.
This segment of the Psalm is introduced under the heading “ד Daleth,” which translates to “door.” It opens the door for us to think and act correctly to have the mind of Jesus in us (Philippians 2:5). Consequently, this section imparts lessons encouraging us to embrace the laws of God in order to shape our thoughts in the likeness of His Son, Jesus. It urges us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, particularly in our obedience to our Heavenly Father. By doing so, Jesus serves as our gateway to the Kingdom of God, and we should not grow weary in adhering to the precepts established by Him.
God created man from dust and destined him to return to dust; however, He redeemed us through the gift of His Son, Jesus, who proclaimed, “As I live, you shall also live (John 14:19b).”
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body
Hebrews 10:19-20 (NIV)
Jesus implored us to enter His Kingdom through the narrow gate, as the alternative wide gates may lead to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Individuals from the farthest corners of the earth shall pass through this narrow entrance; however, God does not widen the gate, but rather provides us with a broader understanding of His ways, enabling us to abide with Him and walk on this narrow Way.
God, we beseech You to guide our thoughts in alignment with those of Your Son, our brother Jesus. Please lead us away from temptations that may lead to sin and deliver us from evil, that we may enter Your Kingdom through the narrow gate, which is the body of Jesus. Amen.
The Jordan Valley 
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