As we continue our devotional study of Psalm 139 we now try to answer the question: Are there any commands to obey? As was true with the question of promises there are no direct commands stated in this Psalm, but there are commands to obey by inference.
For example, when the psalmist prays in verse 24, “See if there is any offensive way in me,” the inference in the form of a command would be, avoid anything that would be viewed by God as offensive. The psalmist describes such in verses 19-21: “If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you?”
We should avoid wickedness, a thirst for blood, or speaking about God with evil intent, thus misusing His name. We should not hate God or rise up against Him.
Another inferred command is, don’t try hiding from God, whether that is hiding thoughts, attitudes or actions, or running away from Him and hiding in darkness. All of these are futile.
On the positive side, an inferred command is study God’s Word to discover God’s plan for your life and ask Him to so work in you that you cooperate and conform to His plan. That is what Paul prayed for in Colossians 1:9, “We (are) praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding…in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way.” Pray that for yourself and others daily.
