“Joy in Obeying”

Scripture:

Psalm 119:7-8
When I learn Your righteous laws,
I will thank You by living as I should.
I will obey Your principles.
Please don’t give up on me. (NLT)

Observation:

For most people, especially those who have lived the majority of their lives obeying only the laws of the land, it is much more difficult to follow the simple laws of our Creator than it is to comply with the multitudes of complex manmade laws in which the average person cannot even understand. It is not because God’s laws are more numerous and difficult to understand, but it is because we are all born with a rebellious nature that loves to sin (Romans 8:7) even though it causes us much guilt and shame.

Application:

One of the best used lies of the Enemy is that living God’s way takes the fun out of life; that we cannot enjoy this life when we are bogged down with righteous rules that we cannot bend. How far from the truth this is, my friends. For what I have discovered in my new life-journey with Christ is that by living under God’s powerful protection and knowledge is when a person finds the true meaning of their existence and with this simple truth, by itself, is what gives us the desire to obey God’s Law, which in return, brings us life and everlasting joy. The Lord has created many earthly things that bring us joy, but we, in our fallen state, take the very things God gave us to enjoy and make them our very reason for living. And so many people, in spite of the possible consequences, will end up doing almost anything to get them, often ignoring what is good and what is not. The first command that our God has given us is to love Him above all else. This is not an easy task when you live apart from Him. But when He teaches you about Himself and how you should live our life, it becomes your first nature to love Him and live your life in ways that bring Him honor and glory. For God’s Word will teach us the best way of living, the honorable way of suffering, and the most comfortable way of dying. When we truly know the Lord, loving and praising Him becomes our highest goal and the reason we live. It is humanly impossible for us to live a sin free life while we occupy these weak and fallen bodies and it is for this reason that we must depend on the mercy and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For when He forgives our sins they are completely washed away and forever forgotten by Jehovah, the LORD God Almighty (Jeremiah 31:34). The Lord knows first hand how weak we are, and as long as we have the breath of life in these mortal bodies He will never give up trying to draw His children closer to Himself in order to protect their precious lives from destruction. Knowing His Grace, dear friends, will keep you on the straight and narrow with a smile that shines and a heart filled with joy.

Prayer:

Thank You, dear Lord, for the opportunity to know You so that I and all of those who believe in You can one day stand in Your Presence. Thank You for showing us the path that leads to life.

Amen