J.A. Matteson
The predicament of sinners is dire, for the inclination of the heart is evil continually. Were it not for the graceful influence of the Holy Spirt upon the heart we all would be as chaff and go the way of Sodom. "Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes!" (Ps. 119:5). Mercifully the LORD directs the hearts of His inheritance to Himself; otherwise, lacking moral ability they most surely would forsake His covenant. As fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, awareness of moral poverty to consistently choose the good is a gift of God. Blessed is the soul that recognizes the depths of iniquity within his heart and its propensity toward wickedness, for He is the LORD's. Oh God, direct our hearts to You. Incline our desires to keep your statues. Make our tongues thirsty for the pure water if Your word and establish us as Your posterity forever. Our hope is in You, our Redeemer and Rock. For Your names sake be merciful to us and lead our hearts in the way everlasting. Blessed is the name of the LORD. Exalted is the Holy One of Israel who leads His people to love Him.
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