Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
This psalm is a praise for the law and commands of the Lord. These laws give wisdom (verse 7) and joy (verse 8). They are "pure" (verse 8) and sweet (verse 10), and they warn us of danger (verse 11). Yet how often are we truly thankful for the commands of the Lord? There is a tendency to view it as a "restriction of our free will", a burden that we must endure as good Christians, a legalistic bunch of do's and dont's that are imposed on us by the supreme judge. Is it any wonder then that we are tempted to rebel, to try and "get away" with some forbidden pleasure? But the reality is that these commands come from the loving Creator of the universe, who knows and desires what is best for us. When we follow these laws, we are not "missing out" on some fun; that's a lie from the pit of hell. When we follow God's commands, we are actually gaining a great reward (verse 11) by finding true joy and wisdom.
Lord, thank you for the gift of Your commands, and teach me to truly appreciate them.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
This psalm is a praise for the law and commands of the Lord. These laws give wisdom (verse 7) and joy (verse 8). They are "pure" (verse 8) and sweet (verse 10), and they warn us of danger (verse 11). Yet how often are we truly thankful for the commands of the Lord? There is a tendency to view it as a "restriction of our free will", a burden that we must endure as good Christians, a legalistic bunch of do's and dont's that are imposed on us by the supreme judge. Is it any wonder then that we are tempted to rebel, to try and "get away" with some forbidden pleasure? But the reality is that these commands come from the loving Creator of the universe, who knows and desires what is best for us. When we follow these laws, we are not "missing out" on some fun; that's a lie from the pit of hell. When we follow God's commands, we are actually gaining a great reward (verse 11) by finding true joy and wisdom.
Lord, thank you for the gift of Your commands, and teach me to truly appreciate them.