"I will keep Your statutes; never abandon me." vs8

This is a positive affirmation of the new man. Yet, it is also a plea for help! The new man is not independent but God-dependent. He has no power of his own, which is the secret of his strength. He is mighty through God.

First, the new man is who you truly are. He says,

“I will keep Your statutes” vs8

You are born again by the work of Christ and the Spirit. God's made you a new creation, as promised, and He's given you eternal life.

He loved you always, even in your rebellion. He enlightened you because you were in the covenant of peace before you were born [Ezek 37:26]. Christ paid for your sins, so the Spirit would come to you in power. You are regenerated, born again, and God's seed remains in you.

“Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for His seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” [1 John 3:9]

You cannot sin! The flesh sins, the old you... but the new man, who you truly are, is holy in likeness to Christ’s [Eph 4:24; Col 3:10; Rom 7:14-25]. You have godly affections and love God's will. You hate evil.

As we read Ps 119, we must understand WHO is speaking: It is you, the new you. We see Christ. He is the perfect Man, but some verses cannot apply to Him [Ps 119:29, 67, 176]. Therefore, we see ourselves, when we understand the key of interpretation. This invigorates our spiritual life and matures us! No longer am I the old man, bound by lusts - hatred, pride, and envy. I'm the new creation who looks up to God.

Secondly, the new creation walks by faith. He says,

“Do not utterly forsake me.” vs8

He is regenerated to feast upon Christ as Mediator, the Spirit as Strengthener, and the Father as Giver. The government of God is a reign of grace, whereby the Godhead is glorified in GIVING US all things.

The Son needed no mediator: He always pleased the Father [John 8:29]. We, however, depend on Christ because without Him, we can do nothing. He paid for our sins and purifies our obedience, so that it's acceptable, being performed in us by the Spirit [Rom 15:16]. The good works of believers are works of faith. We depend on Him, our fruit glorifies God, and we love our neighbor.

Yes. This is God's will, that we'd trust Christ, love by the Spirit, and He'd produce likeness to Christ in us - that we'd live by faith.

Do not count on yourself to obey, but look to Him. Paul said,

“I ask that out of the riches of His [the Father’s] glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” [Eph 3:16-17]

Here, we see the Trinity involved in our daily empowerment! The Father generously gives, because He’s gracious and pities the poor. Christ is who we look to -His love- and He’s formed in us by the Spirit. The power is not ours but His. This is why the Psalmist said,

“Do not utterly forsake me!”

Every day be empty, so He can fill you. Do not deceive yourself with self-confidence, but look away from yourself to Christ and the promises [2 Cor 1:20].

Thirdly, this life of faith is victorious! He says,

“I will keep your statutes” vs8

The Father never lets you down, and the Spirit conquers sin. He will fill us and give us all that we need! He will not mock us, so long as we lean on Him and NOTHING ELSE. Sin will not be too strong, and bad attitudes will be conquered [Eph 3:20]. Psalm 119 teaches us to take God's word seriously, upon our knees, and not be afraid of the commands.

Too many people are defeated. Too many run from what God says, because legalists have distorted God's word and cannot teach by faith. They hide the gospel, preach in fleshly zeal, and heap up burdens. There is a way, however, a narrow path, that is not licentious or legalistic. It liberates us, keeps the cross before our eyes, and walks in the Spirit!

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” [Gal 5:16]

You will not fulfill the works of the flesh by the power that works in you, and I hope we grow together in this joyful obedience.

Do not fear. Fix your eyes on the Savior in fresh repentance. Renew your heart with joy, peace, and confidence. Tell God about your sinful ignorance, the weakness of your flesh, and your need of 100% grace. Look to Him as causing us to keep His commands. He's not abandoned us! He's with us all the way.

He will bless those who fear the LORD—

small and great alike. [Ps 115:13]