A lot of blogs offer a free product. Sign-up and you will receive my “12 Secrets to Cure Turkey Neck” or “How to Become a Millionaire Just by Watching Reruns”. Believe me, I’ve been tempted. But what if I offered a product that delivered truth, joy and great peace. It is thoroughly tested and found to be trustworthy and true in every instance. It is sweeter than honey, worth more than gold, fine gold, and has no limits to its use. Wait! There’s more! If you are one of the next 30 subscribers…..
No, but seriously, there is something so wonderful and it’s FREE. The longest chapter in the Bible is a tribute to the wonder of God’s commands. Psalm 119 has 176 verses that proclaim that God’s law was the best thing that had ever happened to David the Psalmist.
“I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.” vs.14
“I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations.” vs.30
“How I delight in your commands! How I love them!” vs.47
Psalm 119
He clearly loved the law. He has written a literature masterpiece where each stanza begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet and each verse begins with that letter also. This took some thought and required lots of words and passion for God’s Word. Give it a try. I got stuck on the first line:
Always truth in every line,
And brings life to its reader.
uhhh......
David continues for 176 verses and shares what only a lover of God’s commandments would know. Here are a few of the benefits of the law that he listed:
- Gives joy: vs. 1, 2, 35 (Who doesn’t want that?)
- Guards against sin: vs. 9, 11 (the only guard we have against it)
- It’s wonderful truth: vs. 18, 160 (for a world without truths)
- Those who wander from it are cursed: v. 21. (read that one again!)
- Wise advice: vs. 24
- Encouraging: vs. 28
- Gives life: vs. 37, 25, 93, 149 (REAL life)
- Answers those who taunt: vs. 42
- My only hope: 43, 114
- Freedom: v. 45 (it’s interesting that His law brings freedom – most laws don’t)
- Comfort: v. 55
- Direction for life: vs. 59, 133 (needed through all the seasons of life)
- Fair: vs. 75, 137
- Trustworthy: vs. 86, 138
- Remains true: vs. 91 (I love laws that stay the same and apply to everyone)
- Has no limit: vs. 96
- Constant guide: vs. 98
- Wisdom: vs. 95-100. (something I long for more and more)
- Sweeter than honey: vs. 103 (sweet, sweet commandments?)
- Lamp to my feet: vs. 125 (an old Sunday school favorite)
- My treasure: vs. 111
- Is right: vs. 128 (wonder what “the right” thing to do is?)
- Thoroughly tested: vs. 140 (by millions of believers and unbelievers through the centuries)
- Perfectly true: vs. 142 (PERFECTLY)
- Lasts forever: vs. 152, 160
- Great peace: vs. 165 ( not just regular ol’ peace, but great peace)
Consider this, David was writing this about the Law. At the time David was writing Psalms there were only the books of Moses, creation, and the law. There were prophets in his time, but no prophetic books. There was no encouragement of the New Testament, no forgiveness in Christ, no exhortations by Paul. David was this excited about God’s Old Testament law.
“I rise at midnight to thank you for your regulations.”
Psalm 119:62
When was the last time you got up in the middle of the night to thank God for the Ten Commandments? Maybe we don’t understand their benefits.
“Your laws are my treasure, they are my heart’s delight.” vs. 111
“Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.” vs. 127
“I pant with expectation, longing for your commands.” vs. 131
Psalm 119
As I read these verses, I am forced to compare my passion for God’s commands to David’s panting and longing for the same. I do love God’s word. I dare not start a day without it. I can say “amen” to every one of the descriptions that David offered. At times in life, the words have literally leapt off the pages and saved me all over again. God’s commands are powerful and true.
So, why does Pinterest and YouTube grab my attention when I want a mental break? Why is it that I can try memorizing a recipe but not a scripture? Sometimes I find myself searching for a good devotional instead of the very words of Christ. It’s a battle. Even when I am reading the Bible, I often look for the promises and scan over the rules.
Looking over the list above, I clearly understand why the devil would have us distracted. It serves him. The last thing the devil wants is for you to believe that God’s commands are the best choice. It’s one thing to know that we should be obedient to God. He is God, after all. But it is a whole different level to totally believe that following His commands would deliver those benefits. How much easier to obey rules when we are convinced they are the route to God’s best.
What do you need for victory? It’s found in His commands. David kept his head in the battle by meditating on God’s law.
“Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.”
Psalm 119:95
God’s word helps us stay focused, with right priorities – another blow to satan’s plans.
“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your Word.”
Psalm 119:37
The world strives for peace and cannot achieve it. We want peace among nations and around kitchen tables. Even peace in our own hearts is often evasive. But His commands bring peace.
“Those who love your instruction have great peace and do not stumble.”
Psalm 119:165
David knew and believed that God’s commands and law were not only true but his only hope. There wasn’t a viable plan B. I want to live my life this way. May God’s commands be the option I believe in. When sin wags its tempting finger, I will not beckon. I know that God’s laws are better.
David says it best:
“Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them!”
Psalm 119:129
That’s it. When we are convinced that obedience is good for us, we obey. When we forget that God’s laws are beneficial, we more readily accept another way. Isn’t that how satan tempted in the garden? He told Eve that to disobey God’s commands would make her like God, wise and all knowing. She agreed and at that moment decided God’s commands weren’t for her benefit and sin entered the world. She was wrong and so are we when we disregard the wonderful commands of God.
We have to read and know His commands to appreciate and obey them. I challenge you to up your game in pursuit of God. Are you reading a chapter in the morning? Then add one at night. Find a reading plan that challenges you. Read the Bible all the way through. That’s the only way to understand the whole beautiful story. Study the commands and the promises. Let’s study until our midnight wake up is just to say thanks for His Word.
