Written ~ 10-19-2023
Psalm 19:7-11
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
INSTRUCTIONS ~ DECREES ~ COMMANDMENTS ~ LAWS
PERFECT ~ TRUSTWORTHY ~ RIGHT ~ CLEAR ~ TRUE ~ FAIR ~ DESIRABLE ~ SWEET
Some of us may want to fight against having rules and regulations governing our lives. But rules are placed for our protection and give us guidance as to what is right and what is wrong. Without instructions, our lives would be thrown into chaos and disarray. So when we read over our verses for today and see the descriptive words for the rules and regulations God has given to us, it doesn’t seem so bad to have instructions, decrees, commandments and laws to adhere to.
God wants us to live an abundant life, He wants to “grant our heart’s desires and make all of our plans succeed” (Psalm 20:4). But that does not mean we can run around like spoiled brats because we have a merciful and gracious Father in Heaven. No, He expects us to obey His Word, we need to have boundaries. In verse 19:11a it says, “They are a warning to your servant.” Which means there are consequences by not obeying Gods instructions and laws. We can see by the words describing God’s laws that obeying them should be something we desire above all else! Let’s look at how obeying God’s Word affects us…
- REVIVES THE SOUL
- MAKES WISE THE SIMPLE
- BRINGS JOY TO THE HEART
- GIVES INSIGHT
- THEY ARE A GREAT REWARD
When I was a child all I wanted to do was please my dad, I didn’t want to have his discipline come down on me. I was “daddy’s little girl” and more than anything I did not want to disappoint him or tarnish that relationship. Sure, I got in trouble, plenty… and never did it feel good when he needed to enforce the punishment of my wrongdoing. This is the same attitude we should have when obeying our Father in Heaven! I want to please my Father in Heaven, I want Him to look at me as “daddy’s little girl.” And the guys who are reading this today, think of when your dad looked at you, pleased with you and said something like “that’s my boy,” with a smile and a wink. Wouldn’t you also want to please your Father in Heaven the same way?
If we choose to be in constant rebellion against the instructions, decrees, commands and laws that God’s Word gives us, it only leads to heartbreak. And I pray none of us would want that for our lives. By reading and studying the Bible we learn and understand the commandments the Lord has given to us.
By looking at the attributes and the effects of God’s instructions, decrees, commands and laws. Let’s take time to scrutinize our attitudes towards following God’s Word. When we read the attributes of the law, there isn’t anything negative describing those instructions and commands. When we read the effects of obeying God’s Word, again there isn’t anything negative about those affects! So, take a closer look at your own life. Is your soul revived? Are you wise in your decisions? Do you have a joyful heart? Do you have godly insight to what is right and wrong? Do you possess the reward of obedience? God’s Word doesn’t give us “gray area” instructions, no, it says in our passage today that God’s commands are clear, and they are trustworthy. The Lord would never give us wishy-washy laws to obey, so if you are trying to get around obedience and find the loopholes, I’m sorry to say, you won’t find any in God’s Word.
For us to live an abundant life we must learn to trust God’s Word and obey what He asks of us.
If you are thinking, after looking at the effects of obeying God’s commands, and you don’t have a revived soul, or wisdom in your decisions, joy is lacking, and you have misplaced any reward you may have received. Maybe it’s time to reevaluate whether or not you are adhering to God’s Word in everything you do!
God’s Word is refreshing! It gives us Hope! It shows us the way to live a godly life.
My prayer will always be that I obey God’s Word. I pray that you as well will take inventory of your attitude towards obedience. Let’s reap the reward of obedience, not the disappointment of consequences and work towards changing our hearts if any rebellion remains in our spirits. God’s Word brings light! So let’s illuminate our lives with the instructions God gives us and let’s make sure we understand just how wonderful they are!
If ever you are doubting the reward God’s commands can give, maybe reread this passage of Scripture over and over again just to make sure you have the understanding that it is good, it is perfect, and your life will benefit greatly by obeying God’s instructions. I pray that God’s Word will bring you joy!
~AMEN~