What Does Obeying Get Me?

I have often heard others talk negatively about being a follower of Jesus because they seem to think that it’s a bunch of rules to follow and is stifling to those who submit themselves to obeying those rules. Jesus came to give us life, not just a bunch of rules, but He is an excellent leader as well. An excellent leader does show you the best way to accomplish your purpose and Jesus does that in His Word.

It’s funny to me that we would never complain about rules for air traffic. In fact, I love that our airplanes have rules to follow! Could you imagine the chaos and danger every time we flew if we had no rules to follow? What about traffic on the ground? I love that there are rules when we drive our cars and that people who don’t obey those rules get punished! I can’t imagine driving down the highway to take my daughter to school and there being no rules. It would be a catastrophe every day. I am so thankful for the order that the rules bring to our roads.

Why would we see the benefits of rules in air traffic, ground traffic, football games, and our work place, but fail to see the benefits of rules for our very existence?! Our lives need the order and peace that rules bring much more than a football games does. I’ve been trying to get past Psalm 119 for some time now, but there is just so much goodness in it, it’s hard to move on! Here is some great insight into what the commands of the Lord bring into our life. It’s anything but stifling!

It brings Joy!

Psalm 119:1-2

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.

It brings Trust!

Psalm 119:3

They do not compromise with evil.

People who obey the Word of God are trustworthy people because you know they are not going to compromise their standards for anyone or anything.

It Keeps Young People Pure!

Psalm 119:9

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.

Obeying God’s Word is not just about us. It is also about the young people in our lives. We set the stage for them for either a life that does as it pleases for itself or a life that submits to the Word of God. It keeps our way pure and it helps keep our children’s lives pure.

It Gives Me Wisdom!

Psalm 119:24

Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.

This can be a crazy world we live and we don’t have to go through it confused or in darkness. The light of the Word gives us direction and insight on how to make awesome choices for our life!

It Keeps Me from Lying to Myself!

Psalm 119: 29

Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. .

I love this!! The Word of God keeps me from lying to myself! It shows me where I really am in error and how I can do better. I don’t want to fool myself and think I’ve got it all together, when really there are many areas I can grow in. The Word shows me these areas and makes me a better and more useable by God type of person for it.

It is My Hope!

Psalm 119: 114

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.

It Gives Me Easy Understanding!

Psalm 119:30

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.

The Word of God is not just for Bible Scholars! It is for any one that loves Jesus! The Lord has made it simple to understand so that anyone can have their life lit up by the light of the Word.

This just scratches the surface of the goodness found in the Word expressed all throughout Psalm 119. I pray you are able to dig into it for yourself and see the wonderful treasure that it is.

My prayer today is repeating the same sentiment that was poured out thousands of years ago in Psalm 119 (NLT):

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! As I learn Your righteous regulations, I will thank You by living as I should! I will obey Your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! I have tried hard to find You – don’t let me wander from Your commands. I praise You, O Lord; teach me Your decrees. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your instruction. I cling to Your laws. Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Lord, You are mine! I promise to obey Your words! You made me; You created me. Now give me the sense to follow Your commands.

#obedience