I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. Psalm 119:59. NIV
As a writer, I like words. I notice words and sometimes, it seems words “notice” me! Last week as I was reading this verse in Psalm 119, my eyes lingered on the word “consider”. My first response to this particular verse brought me pause with the thought do I really consider my ways? Or do I take more time “considering” the ways of others? I quickly moved on.
It came back to me, what does the scripture really mean when it asks, tells or instructs to “consider” things. What types of things are we supposed to “consider”? Jesus tells us in Matthew 6: 28; Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. What if we take the time to really “consider” the lilies of the field or the birds of the air? Would our fear of the lack of provision be diminished? Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. I have “considered” him and this scripture when things have gotten tough in the battle. It does encourage me to press on as I “consider” all our Savior endured for me.
I googled the definition of “consider”. Our friend Google said: it is a verb. Hmm, going back to my English classes, I knew a verb is an action word. So to consider something means I must put thought or effort into it….it means I have to act. The definition went on to say to think carefully about something before making a decision, or to regard and judge someone or something in a specific way. That was helpful in reminding me to consider something takes focus and intention. I discovered there are two Hebrew words that can translate to “consider”: ra-ah, which means to see, look or perceive and biyn which means to understand or discern.
In Psalm 8:3-4 David reminds us to see, look and perceive who our Creator really is. When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that you are mindful of him. and the son of man that You visit him? NKJV. Every area on earth has God’s fingerprint…but we can only appreciate it if we take the time to “consider” His creation. It is our responsibility to do the “considering”. When we do, we reap the benefits.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25. When was the last time you sat and talked with someone about how to “spur one another to love and good deeds”?
Going back to our original scripture, I realize it has been awhile since I “considered” my ways. It takes courage to examine all the areas of your life. I found some areas where I need to make changes. I am so grateful we have a God who loves to help us with those changes. Every “consider” scripture is for our benefit, and that is a good thing to consider.
Father, help us slow down our lives long enough to consider all the things you ask us to consider. We need the Holy Spirit’s help in these areas. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
