3 requests; 3 promises

I love Psalm 119:175:  "Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me."  Three requests, three promises. Let my soul live.  As you begin 25 days until Christmas, remember that Christ was born so that you could "have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10).  One way to do this is to follow the psalmist's advise in Psalm 56:13 - "I will walk with God in light among the living."  In other words, surround yourself with godly people who strive to celebrate the Lord in uplifting ways.

Let my soul praise you.  Matt Redman's song says it perfectly:  Let our praise be your welcome, let our songs be a sign [that] we are here for you. To you are hearts are open, nothing here is hidden, you are our one desire.  We welcome with praise!"  And, if your heart and actions reflect these lyrics, you'll be able to say like David "I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.  And so shall I be saved from my enemies" (Psalm 18:3)!

Let your rules help me.  Biblical instruction is for our good, our health and our learning.  Psalm 119:9 says "How can a person stay pure?  By obeying [God's] Word."  Paul said in 2 Peter 1:3 that His word has "everything we need for life and godliness."

Don't let the stress of the holiday's bring you low.  Instead, praise God and allow his precepts to help you live your life to the full.  This is his desire for you.