Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Psalm 119

July 2

Psalm 119

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws." (Psalm 119:105-106, NIV)

The Psalmist realizes the power and importance in knowing and obeying God’s law. He speaks of God’s words, His precepts, His decrees, His laws, His commands, and His promises. He does not speak of them as burdens to carry, but as a means of a life of joy. He is overwhelmed by the lawlessness, the sin of the world around him and cries out for God’s protection in a lost and broken world. God’s word will guide our steps in the midst of the darkness. His word will protect us from the evil we live around. But we have to make a decision. We have to decide that we want to follow God’s direction.

When we decide and confirm that we want to be children of God. When we confess our sin, our rebellion, and turn to God to follow Him, when we ask Him to change our hearts and minds and to fill us with His Spirit, He empowers us to live in obedience to His words. He is faithful to cleanse us of our sin and to fill us with His Spirit. The Spirit teaches, corrects, encourages, and guides our steps if we will listen to Him.

God does not give us laws just to watch us suffer, to take all the fun out of life. He gives us laws to guide us in lives of righteousness. He gives us law to keep us safe and to empower us to live full and fulfilled lives. We do not follow the law to follow the law. We have a great gift. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and we receive the Holy Spirit we walk in a relationship with God and He empowers us to live in obedience not because of the Law, but because of His love for us and our love for Him. It all comes down to having a vital living relationship with God.



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