Psalms 119:112

I have inclined mine heart to perform Thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

The means of giving the heart a right inclination

The necessity of labouring for ourselves, and our entire dependence on the grace of God, are not incompatible; and so we find that the psalmist, while in one place, speaking by the Spirit, he makes this prayer to God, “Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies,” makes this declaration in another place, speaking by the same Spirit, “I have inclined,” etc.

I. Using those means by which the grace of God is communicated to us. If succour is at hand to aid the infirmities of our nature, and we seek it not, then our helplessness is our own fault.

II. Presenting to it such considerations as are likely to work effectually upon it. “Communing with our own heart,” as the psalmist speaks; reasoning with it, and pressing on its attention such truths as are fitted to influence it.

1. The nature of the Divine commands. They are holy, just, and good.

2. The claims which God has upon our obedience.

III. The forming of Godly resolutions. The recollection of any specific engagement which we have made with an earthly friend will, if our hearts are at all right with him, prompt us with an earnest desire to fulfil the service to which we have pledged ourselves; and the like effect, we may assuredly expect, will result from the remembrance of our vows to God, if they have been seriously and sincerely made.

IV. Holding intercourse with those who are thus disposed. The effects of fellowship on the human mind are great indeed, nor is it possible to keep ourselves out of the reach of its influence. We are so formed, that sympathy is the natural result of intercourse, and we insensibly acquire a similarity of tastes and habits with those with whom we often associate (Proverbs 27:17). If any man, therefore, wishes to have his heart inclined to God’s statutes, he will avoid, as much as may be, communication with those who disregard them. He will choose as his daily companions, his familiar associates, his bosom friends, those who will be likely to turn his thoughts to God, and by their example, their conversation, and by their imperceptible influence on the mind, may incline his heart to keep His statutes. (G. Bellett.)