Psalm 119:73 (YOD) Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments. The word for made is ‘asah. I’ve always thought of this as God putting me together and forming me, but it’s more than that. Asah “is a verb that usually means a deliberate action with distinct purpose” [1]. I was put together deliberately with a distinct purpose in mind. The word for fashioned means to prepare or to direct, establish, and make ready. His hands deliberately and carefully crafted me (and you) for a specific purpose for which he prepares me! The second half of this asks God to give understanding (to teach him – remember in Hebrew, teaching is an active process of practice, not just accumulating knowledge) so that he is trained (as in training for war) God’s commands (it would be interesting to know what the difference is between all the different words for commands – I can think of at least 3 distinct words). God made me to know and obey His commands. They were around long before I was formed, and are an integral part of creation. To fulfill the purpose for which I was fashioned, I need to learn to live according to His commands. It’s His purpose, so it’s done His way. And, since God isn’t one to just dump knowledge into my head (although He could certainly do it that way), I have to practice and train deliberately. Living God’s commandments is a day-by-day, step-by-step, choice-by-choice hands-on instructional process. I would say, though, that the part about giving understanding is important, too, because when your paradigm shifts it can be pretty confusing. So what’s the point? What should I do as a result of this verse? Well, knowing that I am made for a reason (and not just random, accidental chance) reminds me to live purposefully, seeking His path. And continuing to learn His commands will help me be obedient to Him. It also helps me to remember that God made my children purposefully. Even my little one with autism is formed and fashion deliberately with a distinct purpose. I may not understand it, but that’s not my job. My job is to remember His faithfulness, and learn His commandments so I can also teach my children to walk in His paths, choosing to obey Him with a grateful heart. [1] Moen, Skip. “Getting It Done.” 2009. Today’s Word. 02 August 2010 <http://skipmoen.com/?s=asah&x=0&y=0>.