Psalm 119:56 Remember to Live Intentionally

This has been my practice: I obey your precepts

Psalm 119:56

The various translations and commentators disagree on what this verse is actually saying.

It could be David is saying that because of the practices he has described in this stanza, especially the spiritual disciplines of verses 54 & 55, the natural result of that intentional spiritual training is habitual obedience.

It could also be as simple as the way the NIV (above) translates it. The most important part of my intentional spiritual practices is this: I obey your precepts.

It doesn't really matter, does it? The point is that intentional spiritual disciplines result in intentional obedience in daily life.

It's similar to what's going on in this short video of a Mizzou Baseball pitcher:

When your caught doing something you should be doing. Visualization should be part of everyone’s routine. Maximize your time when you are not throwing. Difference btw ordinary and extraordinary is the “extra”. Didn’t even get chapped about being on the tarp 😀 #onCamera pic.twitter.com/TChKZzHbxx

— Fred Corral (@FCorral34) November 16, 2017

Bryce Montes de Oca is visualizing what he will do in specific situations during a baseball game. He could rely on the accumulated physical training and practical coaching of over three and a half years with the team. But he takes the additional step of planning in detail how he will apply all those things to real game situations.

For the person after God's own heart, the key to intentional living is to meditate on the Word using a similar approach.

• Physical training: Intentionally develop the physical habits of study and prayer at a scheduled time and place. This trains your entire being to arrange your life around those habits of spiritual discipline.
•  Coaching: Intentionally seek out spiritual mentors and leaders who will go beyond providing spiritual pep talks to teach and train you in the specifics of righteous living. As they teach you, visualize how you can put to test what you're learning in your daily routines.
• Study and Meditation: Intentionally spend time in the Word, combining light reading and deep study. While you read, meditate on the Word, visualizing the ways it can transform you, the specific aspects of your life that could be impacted by what you're reading.

Make this your practice: visualize obeying His precepts. Then intentionally obey.