I have been learning about this method of studying scripture by looking for common words and themes as I read. I was reading Psalm 101 and noticed something interesting. This seems simple, but the author used the words ‘will’ or ‘shall’ in every line of the Psalm. I think this tells us something. According to the dictionary, the word ‘will’ can mean futurity, choice, desire, command or determination. According to the dictionary, the word ‘shall’ can mean futurity, inevitability, command or determination.

When you look at Psalm 101, the entire thing is made up of ‘will’ and ‘shall’. The author uses it in a very determined way. The author is determined to say to God that they will worship him, meditate on his ways and walk according to him. The author is determined to tell God that he is totally against anything that is not of God. He goes so far as to say that he will destroy these things that are not of God. He is determined to convince God that he is for God and against evil.

I know that this is the way we should be. We should be determined in our hearts of our position. We should want to tell God that we will follow him no matter what. We should be determined in our hearts that we will do his will and live for him. Our hearts should be just as determined as the author of Psalm 101.